“There is no greater source of inspiration than a green island: tastes, smells, landscapes, food, beauty, passion – everything is wonderful,” he says with a smile. Rob Marshall received last night the award on behalf of Luchino during the closing gala evening of the twenty-first “Global Music and Film Festival in Ischia”, authored and directed by Pascal Vicedomini.. The island has impressed everyone, from regulars to Enrico Vanzina and Clive Davis new post like Katherine Milicchiovery generously posing for the paparazzi.
But back to our Marshal, 63 years old, the director who made Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere and Renee Zellweger dance and sing in “Chicago”; paid tribute Fellini with Nine, starring Sophia Loren, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson; dress Emily Blunt in a red hat and blue black-striped trench coat for Mary Poppins Returns; revolutionized the image of the red-haired Little Mermaid by choosing Halle Bailey for the film adaptation.
Do the awards still impress you, Marshall?
“It is a great honor for me to be invited by Vicedomini, I have been trying to take part in the festival for many years, and for the first time I managed to go there. I never thought I would receive an award on behalf of Luchino Visconti, a director I adore and admire.”
You have already made two films in Italy: Nine in Rome and The Little Mermaid in Sardinia.
“I love Italy, and Italian cinema is fundamental for me, it was wonderful to work here.
Was it difficult to shoot, even underwater, The Little Mermaid?
“What attracts me most about the project is the struggle with my fears. Filming this remake was challenging because of the water scenarios. I challenge myself with every project, and Ariel does it too: a young woman who feels like she doesn’t belong and is looking for another life, even if everyone tells her it’s impossible. He manages to overcome his limitations, break down the barriers of borders and reach different cultures when no one thought it was possible. Let go of the fear. He gives everyone an excellent life lesson, demonstrating that strength and passion can overcome fears and achieve your goals. Every project I dedicate myself to becomes a part of my life for a very long time, so you have to believe in everything you do, that’s why we filmed for 3 and a half years, even during Covid. Fellini said that you need to follow your stomach, your feelings. I strongly believe in this, so much so that during the filming of “Chicago” I recorded his words on camera to fix them in my mind. When you are hired, you are hired for your taste, for who you are and what you have to bring to the film: it must be a personal project that touches you deeply.”
What was it like working with Sophia Loren?
“Honor first. No one in the world was suitable for this role, except for her. I discovered a loving and shy woman, a beautiful and down to earth person. On the first day of filming, I felt his nervousness: he had not worked for a long time. For this scene, I should have started with a long shot of her slowly squeezing her face, instead we started with a close shot and off-camera I shook her hand. She felt my affection and didn’t feel judged, it was a good moment, a strong exchange.”
The writers and actors strike against the abuse of artificial intelligence in America continues, which side are you on?
“There used to be video cassettes, then DVDs, and today there are platforms. Things change, it’s about business. We need to protect artists but also keep pace with progress that needs to be managed fairly and fairly for both sides. We must adapt to change without forcing ourselves.” Read full article
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