“The Master”: this is the nickname of the Neapolitan piano teacher Gabriele Santoro played by Silvio Orlando in the closing movie of Venezia 78, Il bambino nascosto, directed by Roberto Andò and based on his novel (2020, La nave di Teseo). «The story», explains Andò, «takes place in Naples and is set in a small apartment where the piano teacher keeps hidden a child he doesn’t even know. In those few square meters are measured the meaning of life and the chance to be loved». The routine of “Master” Gabriele takes an unexpected turn when Gabriele, while shaving, opens the door to the postman and during the few seconds leaving the door open and unattended, little Ciro enters in his house. He’s 10 and he lives in the same building with his parents and brothers. Why he’s hiding at Gabriele’s place? Who’s running from? Andò reveals that «the child is the son of a camorrist and, how often happens when childhood is denied, ignores the language of feelings. The Master is a silent man, erudite, lonely. He has hidden passions and music is his demon. He will take care of the wiening of this rebel boy». It’s not the first time that Andò makes a movie from his novel, the previous two were Sotto falso nome (2004) and Viva la libertà (2013). The movie is produced by BiBi Film Tv, Rai Cinema and Agat Films and the cast is also composed by Roberto Herlitzka and many Neapolitan actors Lino Musella, Gianfelice Imparato, Francesco Di Leva, the three of them here in Venice also with Martone’s Qui rido io. This is the thirdi movie with Silvio Orlando in Venice 78 (Ariaferma and Ezio Bosso. Le cose che restano), Artistic Director of Venezia 78 Alberto Barbera says that Orlando «gives one of his best performance».
Emanuele Bucci
Italy, 2021. Directed by Roberto Andò. With Silvio Orlando, Roberto Herlitzka, Giuseppe Pirozzi, Francesco Di Leva, Lino Musella, Enzo Casertano. Length 110’
