Paolo Sorrentino and Toni Servillo Reflect on Cinema, Ageing, and Their Enduring Bond
In a revealing interview conducted on a windswept balcony in Venice, acclaimed Italian director Paolo Sorrentino and his longtime collaborator, actor Toni Servillo, opened up about their latest film, the evolving landscape of cinema, and the deep, private connection that has fueled their creative partnership for more than twenty years. The conversation, punctuated by rain and the shared ritual of smoking, delved into themes of legacy, loyalty, and the bittersweet realities of ageing in the film industry.
The Genesis of a Creative Partnership
Servillo, now 67, recounted how he first encountered Sorrentino, then a young filmmaker, in the early 2000s. "I was a serious stage actor, working on Molière's 'The Misanthrope', when this annoying kid kept pushing his script on me," Servillo recalled with a smile. "I had a snobbish disdain for cinema at the time, so I ignored it. But Paolo played a clever trick—he threatened to give the role to another actor. That pricked my vanity, and I finally read the script." That script became One Man Up (2001), marking the beginning of a prolific collaboration that has since produced seven films, including Oscar-winning The Great Beauty and the politically charged Il Divo.
'La Grazia': A Film About Legacy and Departure
Their latest project, La Grazia, is a poignant drama centered on Mariano De Santis, the outgoing president of the Italian republic, played by Servillo. Sorrentino emphasized that the film is not a political commentary but a meditation on the intersection of private life and public service. "It's about a man at the end of his career, facing moral choices," he explained. "He could have been in finance or any industry. What interests me is how personal integrity impacts public duty." The film has been hailed as Sorrentino's finest work since The Great Beauty, resonating with themes of ageing and the passage of time.
Servillo reflected on his character, noting that in today's turbulent political climate, De Santis's sober, cerebral nature makes him a hero. "It reminds me of a line from Brecht's 'Life of Galileo'," he said. "'Unhappy is the land that needs a hero.' In an era of vanity and greed, decency itself becomes heroic." This sentiment echoes Sorrentino's reference to a 2011 interview with businessman Charlie Munger, who warned of the dangers of a Donald Trump presidency, highlighting how personal flaws can inflict lasting damage on the world.
The Unbreakable Bond: Naples and Beyond
The duo's strong connection is rooted in shared cultural heritage and personal chemistry. "The fact we both come from Naples has a big impact," Servillo acknowledged. "But there are deeper, more personal reasons for our bond. It's very moving and not easy to explain—it's a private thing between us." When pressed for details, Sorrentino remained reticent, stating flatly, "I have nothing to add. Some things have to stay between ourselves." This mutual respect and secrecy have been the bedrock of their collaboration, allowing them to navigate the highs and lows of their careers together.
Sorrentino's Contemplation of Exit and the Changing Cinema Landscape
At 55, Sorrentino revealed a growing disillusionment with the film industry. "The world of cinema has changed," he admitted. "And I like making films less and less. But maybe I'm just saying that to trick myself—perhaps I need to think I'm about to quit to motivate myself fully." He compared his relationship with filmmaking to his appetite for food: "I try to be on a diet, but if you show me a fully laid-out table, I'll devour everything. With cinema, it's the same. In theory, I'm no longer interested, but present the opportunity, and I'll immerse myself completely."
Reflecting on his English-language films, such as This Must Be the Place and Youth, Sorrentino viewed them as experiments, influenced by writer Philip Roth's advice that one must deeply understand a culture to tell its story. "That stopped my desire to work in another country," he said, reaffirming his commitment to Italian narratives.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and the Future
As the interview concluded, the pair were spotted on the beach below, braving the rain with their cigars, a testament to their enduring camaraderie. Servillo mused on their shared milestones, from Academy Awards to festival premieres, always with Sorrentino by his side. "When I think back, it's always Paolo there with me," he said, underscoring the loyalty that defines their partnership.
La Grazia, set for release in UK cinemas on 20 March, serves as a powerful exploration of endings and new beginnings. Through their candid dialogue, Sorrentino and Servillo offer a window into the soul of modern cinema—a world where tradition meets transformation, and where personal bonds can inspire artistic greatness even in the face of change.
