While an unimaginable, adrenaline-filled journey begins on screen and with actors willing to play shallow roles, PHOBIA, the debut feature of Antonio Abbate (in cinemas), receives the first applause. Thanks also to such an actress as Francesca Romana De Martini, born under the sign of Genius and raised on milk and cinema. As an adult, her passion led her to graduate from the Silvio D’Amico National Academy of Drama, and that’s where it all began. Francesca is a woman, not a doll with all tits and glitter: in America she would have won an Oscar by now, and Italy, which has a short memory, often awards too many children and stepchildren to the detriment of those with great talent, but don’t go there to “push-button” rooms. To his credit, between cinema and fiction, he made some 38 films, working with outstanding directors, from Avati to Bertolucci, from Placido to Veronesi, and always in strong, unforgettable roles. Now more than ever, they recognize her merits as a real actress: “And I did everything alone,” emphasizes De Martini. But that’s not all: there are many other new features waiting for you. Let’s start with the first one:
Francesca Romana has a 30-year career in film, television and theatre. Now with “Phobia” he is getting a lot of recognition. Can you tell us about your character?
“I play Maria, a mother and wife with an ambiguous behavior because her life is shrouded in mystery. She has a tough character that has been tested by life. The film touches on the issue of mental health.”
In November he will appear on Rai 1 in prime time in the series “Lea 2, our children”. What role does he play?
“This is Francesca Verna, the mother of Pietro (Primo Reggiani), a completely different woman from Maria from the film Phobia. Francesca is elegant, sophisticated, but considered a superficial lady, especially given the disagreements that arise between her husband and son. The series also features Anna Valle and Giorgio Pasotti.”
Not only an actress, but also an acting coach and dialogue coach. This is also Salma Hayek for the film “The House for Gucci.” Confession: How difficult was it to get here?
“Well, it wasn’t easy, but I always believed in everything I did and never forgot my studies, which is very important for an actor.”
Married, has two children. The man Jacopo Olmo Antinori chose a career as an actor, right? What about your sister?
“She studies at the University of Bologna and wants to become a professional, doing a job different from mine. My son, on the other hand, has always loved acting and I must say he is good at it. He also demonstrated this in Bertolucci’s film “You and Me.”
If you could go back, would you still choose cinema?
“Yes I would. However, in the past I had to believe in myself more. Unfortunately, I never knew how to get him out. Now I’m proud of it.”
But there is little talent, even if the “dream factory” in our country continues to produce good actors. The problem often lies in the wrong roles. Could this happen?
“Of course, the choice of role for an actor is important. This identifies him, makes him continue to work and be loved by the public.”
What kind of cinema do you like today?
“It’s also a comedy. The story, which tells the story of four women my age starting high school, has yet to be completed in the writing phase. It is menacing, ironic and decidedly original. I hope that this will also happen because we have a young and brilliant director with us.”
Italian-English TV series filmed in Italy: title?
Mrs. Fox 2 by Declan Rex with Emilia Fox. which will air on Sky following its UK release. I will guest star in the first episode as Vittoria. I like. We’re still on set.”