Bella... Bella... Beautiful
Benigni & Braschi
Monday, November 25, 2002
New York
Thursday, December 19
Los Angeles
These two "Conversations" featured the award winning, multi-talented international film couple Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi. One of the world's most acclaimed comic filmmakers and entertainers, Roberto Benigni will next be seen playing the title character of his film adaptation of Carlo Collodi's novel, "Pinocchio" (Miramax Films/ Melampo Cinematografica).
The film, which hits theaters this Christmas 2002, is Italy's most expensive film to date. Benigni plays the multiple role of actor, producer, writer and director of the film.
Just three years ago Benigni garnered a Best Actor Academy Award win (an all-time first for a non-English part) for what was, at that time, his most ambitious and moving work to date, "Life Is Beautiful" (La Vita é Bella). The film also garnered an Academy Award win for Best Foreign Film. A fable about the powers of love and imagination set against World War II, "Life Is Beautiful" was a hit amongst European and American audiences alike.
In the U.S., Benigni is best known for his many memorable comic performances in such films as Jim Jarmusch' "Down By Law" and "Night On Earth," as well as for the role of the infamous Inspector Clouseau's son in Blake Edwards' "Son of the Pink Panther." He also appeared in Wim Wenders' "Far Away, So Close!"
But around the world, Benigni is also known as a filmmaker with his own unique style. Among the films he has written, directed and starred in are "Johnny Stecchino," the story of a mild-mannered bus driver who just happens to be the spitting image of one of Italy's most-wanted mobsters, which became the most successful film in the history of- Italian cinema; the successful "The Little Devil," in which he co-stars with Walter Matthau; and "The Monster" (Il Mostro), another blockbuster Italian comedy about an ordinary man mistaken for a serial killer. Benigni took home a David di Donatello award (Italy's equivalent to an Oscar) for Best Actor for his performances in both "Johnny Stecchino" and "The Little Devil."
Popular Italian actress and producer, Nicoletta Braschi, will next be seen as the (Blue Fairy) in Roberto Benigni's "Pinocchio" (Miramax Films/Melampo Cinematografica) which hits theaters this Christmas 2002. She plays the dual role of lead actress and producer of the film, which is Italy's most expensive film to date.
Braschi was last seen playing the role of 'Dora' (a.k.a. 'Principessa') in Benigni's Academy Award-winning film, "Life Is Beautiful" (La Vita é Bella), a fable about the powers of love and imagination set against World War II
She has appeared in all of Roberto Benigni's comedies, including "The Monster" and "Johnny Stecchino." Both films were box-office record-breakers in their native Italy. She also appeared in Benigni's "The Little Devil," with Walter Matthau, and in Benigni's first feature "Tu Mi Turbi," which was her debut performance as a film actress. Braschi also appeared with Benigni in Jim Jarmusch's offbeat American comedy "Down By Law" and went on to star in Jarmusch's "Mystery Train."
Her other feature film credits include Giuseppe Bertolucci's "Segreti Segreti" and "La Domenica Specialmente"; Marco Ferreri's "Come Buoni I
Bianchi"; Marco Tullio Giordana's "Pasolini: Un Delitto Italiano" and Paolo Virzi's "Ovosodo," for which she garnered a David di Donatello award (Italy's equivalent to an Oscar) as Best Supporting Actress.
Born in Cesena, Italy, Nicoletta Braschi graduated from the Silvio D'Amico Drama Academy in Rome, where she makes her home to this day
Name: Tom Tumminello
Location: New York, NY
Comments: Roberto Benigne and Nicoletta Braschi were very entertaining. Only at
Conversations could we be in the company of such a high profile international
couple who do it all, produce, direct and act. It was so nice of them to take
time from their busy schedules to share their craft with us.
I am so grateful to the Foundation for making this possible.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season.
Name: Ray Michaels Quiroga
Location: Montebello, Ca.
Comments: This conversation with Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi was very fun and we had a great time!. I love Roberto Benigni's since of humor and creative style. This is a fun and easy to work with director with a lot of talent to share with the world. I'm glad I was part of this conversation and I thank everyone at SAG for these type of events.
Name: Bob Bocchino
Location: New York, NY
Comments: As for the "Conversations" programs themselves they just seem to get better
each time. I think that last night's presentation was the most philosophical
and perhaps even the most inspiring of the last three events I attended.
Although I had to admit that each time I asked myself: Can they top this?
Cynthia Nixon was superb. Edie Falco was equally superb as were their hosts
Eileen Henry and Joyce Gordon.
It is Roberto Benigni's belief that acting is a gift - a gift in his words
that cannot be explained. But it is a gift that he and others are willing to
share. So, hopefully the series will continue to grow in both frequency and
popularity and we can all be the better for it.
New York - Monday, 12/16/02
Name: Harsh Nayyar
Location: New York
Comments: When I saw Roberto in "Night on Earth" I laughed so much I fell off my chair. I think it is one of the funniest performances I have ever seen in film. Thank you for the pleasure of watching you!
Name: Lacy Daigle
Location: New York
Comments: My appreciation of foreign film has grown with viewing your productions, Nicoletta. Female producers are inspiring to us all! Thank you!
Name: Bob Nuchow
Location: Mar Vista
Comments: A special, personal 'thank you' to both you Roberto and your wife Nicoletta, for your film "Life Is Beautiful" and it's strength in showing the determination of the human spirit and love. The film inspired and lifted my sister Laura's spirit while she was being treated with Chemotherapy. Laura devotes her talents by introducing and teaching art and media literacy to inner-city children. Your performances touched her soul and filled her heart with hope. Upon seeing your film, she immediately organize 40 of her students to come from the heart of Harlem to travel down to one of Manhattan's Westside theatre screening "Life Is Beautiful." While still weak from Chemo, she marked off 40 seats with toilet paper and held them against an onslaught of complaints of early local moviegoers until all her students arrived during the coming attractions. Her students were just as moved and loved your film as much as my sister. Laura has overcome and survives her illness and continues to live each day as a miracle in New York. THANKS!
Name: Nicholas Gorham
Location: New York
Comments: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving us this experience. I remember seeing your film "Life Is Beautiful" with my father when it was in the theatres. It was the first time I saw my father cry since my mother had died two years earlier. I cried with him. I believe it made our relationship grow. And then, to watch you win your well-deserved Oscar, and how much genuine love you had - warmed my heart. Thank you for making beautiful films that brings warmth to the world. Thank you for being an inspiration and for showing us that it is still possible to be successful and maintain the highest level of artistic integrity. And lastly, thank you for coming tonight and sharing your wisdom. We are grateful for your life, spirit, and your work. Love, Peace - Nicholas Gorham AADA Student
Name: Julissa Carmona
Location: Westchester County
Comments: You are a breath of fresh air! One day I plan to create an amazing film of you. I'll look forward to that one day. Happy Holidays! Best Wishes!
Name: Beth Kucharczyh
Location: New York
Comments: Roberto, Joy - Joy - JOY!!! Bring it on - Your beautiful spirit heals and uplifts so many. Your work does make a difference! Thank you so much. (Don't let the Polich last name fool you. My other half naturally is Italian!!!)
Name: Susan Malfitano
Location: New York
Comments: Dear Roberto and Nicoletta, It was worth the 3 week wait! Thank you for a truly memorable evening. I have the utmost respect for the both of you and could only hope that one day our paths would cross again. Thank you both!
Name: Michele Charles Celi
Location: Brooklyn
Comments: Nicoletta & Roberto - LA VITA E BELLAÉThat's why I dream with my eyes open. Grazie!
Los Angeles - Thursday, 12/19/02
Name: Clara Bryant
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Caro Nicoletta & Roberto, Thank you for all of the laughter!!! Please give my regards to Roberto Faenza & Edna Ferri.
Name: Patricia DiStefano
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Bravo Maestri - You have left a great piece of art to the world - you have ennobled humanity. NOW - don't let Berlusconi damage la bella Italia -
Home of all poets, singers, seers, and artists. Viva Italia! With love, Patricia DiStefano - la madre di Clara Bryant
Name: Edwin McCready III
Location: Hollywood
Comments: A sparkling personality - Roberto Benigni! A serious thinker!
Name: Scott Wright
Location: Castaic
Comments: It was a fascinating evening with a different perspective of our wonderful business. This was an education on more than just what we should look for as actors, being Roberto directs and Nicoletta produces. Roberto's "The voice is the left hand. The movement and the eyes are the right." And Nicoletta's "A really good actor can make the other actors better." Were both memorable quotes to draw from when I venture onto future work. I also appreciated how Roberto expressed his faith. Grazia!
Name: Carolyn Cable
Location: Woodland Hills
Comments: This is the best program for actors! One cannot help but to love Benigni & Braschi. Thank you Roberto, Nicoletta, Conversations, SAG Foundation!
Name: Jon Anthony Nichols
Location: Burbank
Comments: This was terrific fun and very informative. Thank you Roberto and Nicoletta for coming tonight and doing Conversations!
Name: Jennifer Kan
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: I think you are THE MOST MAGICAL DIRECTOR out there - and I'm so grateful for the work you have been able to share with the world. "Memoirs of a Geisha" is lacking a director - both Steven Spielberg and Spike Jonze decided to drop it after a few months. You would be perfect! It's an ASIAN CINDERELLA story. You could rescue this fairy tale!
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For more information, or to become involved in "Conversations," please contact Bob Nuchow, SAG Foundation Project Coordinator at (323) 549-6668 or conversations@sag.org.
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