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On Thursday, the focus was on legends from the Wild West and elegant Negronis at Rai Cinema’s celebration of “Heads or Tails?” in Cannes.

In the unique and thought-provoking genre of a western, I found myself captivated by the film titled “Un Certain Regard,” directed by Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis. This story centers around me, Rosa (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), a woman trapped in an unsatisfying marriage. In a bold move, I escape with the daring Santino (Alessandro Borghi). However, our freedom is pursued by many, among them being Buffalo Bill (John C. Reilly).

Paolo del Brocco, CEO of Rai Cinema, shared with EbMaster at an event that this movie is exceptionally unique and he believes it will make a significant global impact. It explores themes that are universally relatable, encompassing love, power, and politics.

Creating fresh ideas in cinema can be challenging, but we’re optimistic about the future, expecting more unique films to emerge. Whenever we stumble upon an innovative concept, we pour considerable resources into it, aiming for its successful execution.

Amongst the well-known personalities and festival leaders such as Alberto Barbera from Venice, Tricia Tuttle from Berlinale, and Giona Nazzaro from Locarno, John C. Reilly stood out dramatically, largely due to a grand hat that his character could be proud of, despite the worsening weather conditions.

“Those are big cowboy boots to fill,” he told EbMaster before the premiere. 

Buffalo Bill’s persona was steeped in legend, with numerous tales spun about his life – some factual, others fabricated. This creative license, regarding one’s true identity, was an integral aspect of portraying the character.

In a way, Bill “single-handedly created the myth of the American West,” he stated.  

He’s a complex individual given his knowledge of the truth, as he embodied it in his life. Is it his error to perpetuate a myth when we desired it, or is it our mistake for wanting it? Every nation has its own myths, and leaders can manipulate them for their benefit. There’s an admirable quality to the concept of American freedom and democracy, and I believe America still has potential. We’ve faced difficult times before; we’ll overcome this as well.”

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone.

Afterward, Reilly intends to delve into vaudeville, with “Mr. Romantic” set to arrive in the UK and Europe this fall. The album is scheduled for release in June.

This evening features classic American tunes, and I’m a fictional character attempting to find love within the audience, but to no avail. The underlying message of the performance is: ‘Can one love someone eternally? Can one be loved forever?’ These questions are posed in a lighthearted manner, yet they carry profound depth.”

or

“Tonight, we’re playing American songbook standards. I’m a made-up character trying to win the affection of someone from the audience, but I don’t succeed. The main idea of the show is: ‘Could you love someone forever? Could you be loved forever?’ These questions are posed in a fun way, but they have real depth.”

or

“This evening, we delve into American songbook classics. In this story, I’m a figment of your imagination, trying to find love among the audience, yet unsuccessful. The crux of the performance is: ‘Could you love someone forever? Could you be loved forever?’ These questions are asked playfully, but they hold deep meaning.

Tereszkiewicz and Borghi were likewise socializing among the crowd, enjoying the cozy ambiance lit by soft red lights in the Campari lounge. They openly acknowledged to EbMaster that they both found the movie’s unexpected twists delightful.

Upon reading the script, I exclaimed, ‘This is something entirely new!’ I’ve never encountered anything similar before. It’s filled with numerous characters and fights, all typical of a Western setting. However, at some point, you come to understand that it’s not just a story about action, but rather a movie exploring emotions, love, and the complexities of communication between two individuals from different parts of the globe.

Tereszkiewicz commented: “I used to watch numerous westerns with my father. I’d often remark that they revolve around gun-wielding men. This one initially follows suit but then shifts focus. It takes us to strange, mystical realms – and it’s a woman we’re following, which is intriguing and contemporary. Buffalo Bill pens his own narrative – this female character does the same. She doesn’t conform to the fabricated tale.

After catching their breath following the initial viewing, directors Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis took a moment to commend their fellow filmmaker Francesco Sossai. This praise came after the screening of Sossai’s soft-hearted comedy about sleepless nights spent drinking and peculiar meetings, titled “The Last One for the Road,” which was displayed in the same category.

Rigo de Righi expressed his admiration for the movie and added, ‘A fresh wave of talented young Italian directors is emerging, and they deserve their own platform.’ Zoppis chimed in, ‘They’re significantly younger than us, making us feel like veterans already in our 40s!’

They also gushed about their actors, including Reilly.

John is an endless wellspring of creative thoughts. Working with him has always been a cherished aspiration,” remarked Zoppis, while his fellow director echoed, “He portrayed a character beyond the ordinary, infusing it with such wit and authenticity.

With deals already secured for Benelux, and discussions ongoing for other significant regions, “Heads or Tails?” could potentially replicate the triumphs of acclaimed series like “Gloria!”, which has been sold in over 40 territories, “An Ode to Naples” by Trudie Styler, distributed in nearly 30 territories including Disney+ UK and Hulu US, and “Madly” by Paolo Genovese, sold across 45 territories.

These films by Laura Samani (“A Year of School”), Roberta Torre (“Christmas Song”), Leonardo di Costanzo (“Elisa – I Wanted to Kill Her”), and Victor Kossakovsky (“Tears for Firs”) are soon to be released on the cinematic horizon.

Boosting the visibility of Italian cinema is crucial, not just for commercial reasons, but to showcase our unique identity and culture globally. This is a significant endeavor that we are committed to, as demonstrated by our work on films like Gabriele Salvatores’ ‘Naples to New York’,” commented Fulvio Firrito, Head of International Sales.

However, even renowned Italian maestros are now focusing more on their audience, according to del Brocco.

Film production can’t occur without a viewing audience – this is something aspiring directors should grasp. They must craft movies that evoke feelings and emotions. Without the ability to stir emotions, attracting viewers to the cinema becomes challenging.

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2025-05-23 18:54