The Beautiful Summer (La bella estate)
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of watching “The Beautiful Summer,” directed by Laura Luchetti, at the Lincoln Film Center in New York City. The event was part of “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema.” It was a sun-drenched afternoon, perfectly suited for immersing oneself in an Italian summer film. I hadn’t set high expectations, having only seen the trailer, but I was intrigued enough to attend. Since it was a premiere, the screening was followed by a live Q&A session with the director.
I won’t divulge the film’s plot to avoid spoilers, but I must say it is an exquisite movie, brimming with unforgettable scenes. Set in 1938, the film beautifully captures a pivotal moment in history. The story revolves around themes of love, self-exploration, adolescence, and the importance of embracing who and how you love. It evokes memories of my youth—the freedom, the excitement, the embarrassments, and the vibrant experiences of dancing, art, drink, and nature.
The film delves deeper, addressing gender issues and the societal position of women, presenting these modern topics in the context of 1938 Italy. The director subtly weaves in the political backdrop, ensuring that the focus remains on love, youth, and the joyous aspects of adolescence.
One moment that stood out during the Q&A was when an audience member asked about the nature scenes in the film. The director was delighted to discuss how nature symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. She shared her own love for nature, having grown up surrounded by it. The film’s nature scenes convey profound emotions, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the young actors and actresses delivered such compelling performances.
Their authenticity and the emotions they conveyed drew me deeply into the story, creating an immersive experience. The director emphasized that great actors communicate more through their bodies than their lines, which is evident in this film. The main characters may have few lines, but their eyes, their movements, and the stunning Italian summer backdrop tell a powerful story. I spent two wonderful hours transported back in time.
The music was legendary, particularly the piano pieces that narrated Ginia’s story with quiet yet profound meaning. I downloaded the entire soundtrack immediately after the movie, finding myself still lingering in the Italian summer of the 1930s, alongside the film’s characters, picnicking by the river and paddling under the sun.
One thing that deeply moved me was the director’s unwavering trust in her instincts. During the Q&A, she repeatedly spoke about following her heart with absolute bravery, embracing artistic spontaneity without the constraints of over-planning. This heartfelt approach, she admitted, sometimes leads to mistakes, but when it works, it creates moments of unparalleled beauty and authenticity. Her passionate belief in this process was palpable, and it clearly infused the film with its captivating essence, making the entire experience profoundly memorable and deeply touching.