Cinema Paradiso, a three-hour long film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore revolves around true love, the fulfillment of dreams, the importance of family and the unbreakable bond of trust.
At the start of the movie, famous director Salvatore Di Vita (Jacques Perrin) returned to his hometown Giancaldo, Sicily after 30 years of not visiting the place. He went back home to witness the burial of his old friend, Alfredo (Philipp Noiret). Before he actually arrived in Giancaldo, he recalled the deep friendship he shared with Alfredo. He first met Alfredo when he was six years old. Alfredo worked as a projectionist in the Cinema Paradiso, Salvatore’s favorite movie house. At first, Alfredo saw Toto (Salvatore’s nickname) as a nuisance but then he grew attached to the boy and taught him how to use the projector. Alfredo taught Toto various aspects of filmmaking. In an unfortunate accident in the Paradiso, Alfredo became blind and Toto was tasked to work as his replacement. As Toto grew up to be a dashing young man, he also met the girl of his dreams. Elena (Agnes Nano), the daughter of a wealthy banker, caught Toto’s eye the first time they met. Toto worked hard to gain Elena’s affection and he did. However, all his hard work became useless as Elena’s parents greatly disapprove of their relationship. With more work from Elena’s parents, eventually the couple separated. To heal his wounded heart, Alfredo told Toto to leave the village and pursue his dream as a director. Toto became a successful director and returned to his hometown where he would soon meet Elena again.
Trust is a fragile thing. When it is broken, it will be hard to restore. This was evident in the movie when Toto discovered that Alfredo was behind him and Elena’s separation. He was hurt and he felt very stupid for giving Alfredo all his trust. He looked as if he won’t ever forgive the old man but alas, he did. Toto knew that Alfredo was doing it for his own good. Alfredo wanted him to realize his full potential. To realize his dream of becoming a film director.
The shots were okay. The location was perfect. (It was in Tornatore’s hometown!) The characters portrayed their roles very well.
My only problem is the length of the film. Honestly, it was so long that it lulled some of us to sleep. I only wish the director deleted unnecessary scenes because there sure were a lot of them. The movie would’ve been more interesting and appealing to the viewers if only some scenes were cut or deleted. It will save time and will give way to more efficient scenes.
There were symbolisms present in the film. One was the anchor. It symbolized the Toto’s difficulty in letting Elena go. The projection room was a silent witness to Toto and Alfredo’s fatherly bond. Cinema Paradiso symbolized the crowd’s past time activity. Alfredo represents the mentality of a father: protective, supportive and utterly caring. Lastly, the films gathered by Toto when he was young also symbolize his and Alfredo’s memories together.
Leit motifs include the lion-shaped peep hole of Alfredo, people doing different sort of things at a cinema, Toto’s worn out car, the projector and the films.
I recommend this movie to people who love watching films and those who like to observe the effect of mass media to society at large. It also presents a complex story of romance and commitment.
Make sure that in watching this film, you have lots of time to spare because this movie is indeed long.
Film enthusiasts, hopeless romantics and those who just feel like watching this film, enjoy!
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