Valeria Golino on Her Chemistry With Matilda De Angelis in Mario Martone’s ‘Fuori’: ‘We Were Really Lucky to Fall in Love’

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It was a fulfillment of a long-held dream for the Italian actress and director Valeria Golino to portray the role of the feminist author, Goliarda Sapienza, in Mario Martone’s film “Fuori,” which competed at Cannes.

Last year, Golino was in Cannes, serving as the director of the TV series “The Art of Joy,” which is based on Sapienza’s posthumous book with the same title. In this year’s production titled “Fuori” (Italian for ‘Outside’), she takes on the role of Sapienza, portraying her during the 1980s when her novel “The Art of Joy” was turned down by Italian publishers. This rejection led to Sapienza’s imprisonment in Rome for jewelry theft. In prison, she forms a profound connection with a fellow inmate and political activist named Roberta, played by Matilda De Angelis, who is known for her roles in “The Undoing” and “Citadel: Diana.

Here, Golino converses with ‘EbMaster’ about her deep affection for Sapienza, whom she encountered at the age of 18 while acting in a movie helmed by Citto Maselli, Sapienza’s ex-spouse. Furthermore, she shares her strong bond and feelings (that could be described as platonic love) she developed with De Angelis during their time working together on set.

Last year, you were in Cannes with your directorial work for the TV series “Art of Joy,” which is adapted from Sapienza’s provocative and feminist novel. Can you share what it was like to be a part of that project?

For many years, I’ve delved deep into Goliarda’s thoughts, aiming to understand and embody her. As a director, I analyzed her work extensively, but my immersion truly lies within her written word. I filtered her book through my own perspective, attempting to maintain the essence of her poetics. I had to select only what resonated with me from the book, while discarding other elements to ensure a cohesive portrayal.

What changes have occurred in your connection with this captivating character as they transitioned from the “Art of Joy” TV show to the series “Fuori”?

One significant factor in my connection with her is the fact that I knew her when I was young, which has left me with a unique perspective as an adult. Of course, if I had met her later in life, I might have grasped her intricacies differently. However, what I remember most vividly are my adolescent memories of her – the way she moved gracefully, the mannerisms such as how she placed her hands on her hips, the style in which she dressed. As an actress, you can imagine how captivating these exterior aspects were to me – from the wrinkle in her nose when she laughed, to the quick dart of her eyes when she was deep in thought, to the constant surprise and wonder in her eyes as she contemplated things.

What struck you at the time about Sapienza as a person?

She was known for being quick-tempered and intolerant of ideas she didn’t agree with, yet surprisingly calm due to her deep curiosity about people and life. There was no judgment; she simply let things happen unless they were offensive. To me, Goliarda wasn’t the confrontational person others perceived her to be. In my portrayal, I aimed to make her character open and receptive to everything that came her way, filled with a sense of wonder akin to a child.

Goliarda’s intense eagerness appears to ignite her fascination towards her incarcerated companion, portrayed brilliantly by Matilda de Angelis. There’s undeniable chemistry between them when they share the screen. Can you tell me about your experience collaborating with Matilda?

To put it simply, we were fortunate to have developed a deep connection while working together on the project. This relationship could easily not have happened. If fate had taken a different turn, our characters might have resembled what we aimed to portray on screen, but they would lack the unique spark and emotional bond that Matilda and I cultivated. You see, despite being two female actors, I found myself falling for Matilda during our time working together. I can’t quite explain it, but my affection for her became a crucial part of my performance. In addition to her exceptional acting abilities, Matilda truly shines on screen. Her captivating presence, which I struggle to describe, is a rare quality that only a select few possess. She embodies beauty, strength, and power, making it impossible not to admire her as both a character and an actress. Mario, the director, also recognized this potential in Matilda, and like any skilled director, he helped shape her performance to its fullest extent.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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2025-05-21 15:46