Febbre da fieno

Don't miss Hayfever (Febbre Da Fieno). It was one of the most popular films at the wonderful Cleveland International Film Festival in March. The screenings were expanded from two showings to five and the lines were long. This is a "don't miss" film. Here are some of the comments from our Italian MeetUp group after the film:

FilmAuthority –

Anyone who purchased tickets for Tuesday's screening of Laura Luchetti's Febbre Da Fieno, or Hayfever for those linguistically challenged is in for a real treat. Members of the Italian group saw it Sunday afternoon.

It is probably the best festival flick I've seen since Cherry Blossoms two years ago. Hayfever has got to be a contender for CIFF "Best Film" this year. I won't get into the plot or characters for those who get to see it Tuesday at the Shaker Square Cinema. And, I wouldn't be surprised to see it get a regular theatrical run as well.

The cinematography was beautiful. Italian filmmakers seem to have a real appreciation of all this visual elements that I appreciate: color; landscape/setting; creative scene transition; and composition. This flick combines the technical with the creative in a gripping story with fine acting. All the elements are there. Highly recommended!

Honestly, seeing Hayfever made the 2011 CIFF a success for me.

Carlo –

Totally agree with Bill, what a pleasant surprise. A super film that touched the heart.

Elia –

I also loved Febbre Da Fieno very much. As matter of fact, I enjoyed every second of it, from beginning to end. It was a bittersweet romantic comedy with an expected heartfelt ending that sends you home with a reflecting mood. I too was captivated by the color, scenery, music, and the alternation moments of reality and surrealism, present and past.

I thought that the protagonists were all very unique, each with a rich and solid personality. I loved the timid, kindhearted, and gracious Camilla, the romantic, loving, charming, but distracting Matteo. I also liked secondary protagonists such as the clients' store, especially the one in search of the wig that suited his look, or the charming and astute little boy impersonating Batman. I especially adored the lovable and genuine soul of Gigio.

I wonder though, based on what we have observed, how does the title "Febbre da fieno" (Hayfever) fit into the plot of the movie? In which other ways would or could have the movie ended preserving the emotional essence that one feels at the end?

A presto Elia

Marissa –

I didn't get the last two messages posted until this morning, but I was able to go down by myself to Febbre Da Fieno last night at Shaker Square. I was even 5 minutes late because I drove all the way from Hiram and was still able to get in. They offer standby tickets for those who didn't reserve in advance. I am glad I made it... it is a little gem of a film.

Ciao tutti.

A presto,

In a word (or two)....

I liked it.

Its simultaneous story line structure keeps great pace...its subtlety spars with its crevice-like breadth, and all this while polka-dotting the film with lots o' laughs. Laura Luchetti seems to be equal parts poet, scribe, and director...and a true talent in the art of storytelling through film.

Filming...great photography, unique camera angles, interesting use of sunlight and exploration of moods. An artists lens, for sure...

The writing...many layers, compelling conflict...playful, oddball hilarity...so many layers, far from any generic run o' the mill characters (absorbed and expressed quite impressively by the entire cast....more on that in a bit...). And although the characters are of an entirely unique and idiosyncratic dimension, there are an enormity of elements in everyone of them (the characters that is), that any audience experiencing this film will undoubtedly find relatable qualities and/or situational similarities between the poetic expression of the script, and the story line which is one's own reality (or one's own suspect factual acceptance of things as we see 'em).

The cast...solid all around. Usually my negative magnifying glass, or should I say my telescopic exploration of all things negative (as a result of some sort of twisted neurosis no doubt), can pick out an actor or two (or in extreme cases, the majority of casts) to complain about. But in this film, there is not one grain of sub-par acting. Although Diane Fleri (the stunning...) around who's character (Camilla) the film is weaved, has an astonishing performance, and although the whole cast's performance is astounding, the job that Mauro Ursella (who play's Gigio) was, in my opinion, the best...

The film's ending, like most of its other aspects, carries it's own uniqueness (though nice and tidy in its own individual manner...). So perhaps I should simply say that its not the typical come to be expected 'hollywood' resolution and disappointment...or perhaps I should say that I cant quite come up with the correct words to fully express the point I'm trying to convey.

If you are lucky enough to get the chance to catch this flick, do your self a favor, check it out...and enjoy it.

(though we all have our own opinions eh?...)