Cast
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Fabrizio Gifuni
as Franco Basaglia
Vittoria Puccini
as Margherita
Branko Đurić
as Boris
Michela Cescon
as Infermiera Nives
Thomas Trabacchi
as Lampo
Sandra Toffolatti
as Franca Ongaro
Tiziana Bagatella
as Elsa
Valeria Sabel
as Biachina
Giorgio Gobbi
as Eraldo
Stefano Scandaletti
as Guido Sarti
Maurizio Fanin
as Furlan
Vitaliano Trevisan
as Nanut
Giuseppe Bevilacqua
as Pinto
Federico Bonaconza
as Cicca Cicca
Leonardo Maddalena
as Bruno Guerra
Crew
Director
- Marco Turco
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Once Upon a Time the City of Fools examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Marco Turco brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Once Upon a Time the City of Fools took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 200 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 260 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2452 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Once Upon a Time the City of Fools shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Requiem for a Dream, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Once Upon a Time the City of Fools subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Silence of the Lambs and Death Takes a Holiday explore similar territory, Once Upon a Time the City of Fools stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 2010
- Runtime: 3h 20m
