Basilicata Coast to Coast is a 2010 Italian musical comedy film directed by Rocco Papaleo.
Plot Nicola Palmieri is a high school math teacher and music enthusiast. He leads a local band from Maratea whose other members include guitarist Salvatore Chiarelli, a medical student struggling to graduate; double bassist Franco Cardillo, a carpenter who has been mute since the death of the woman he loved; and percussionist Rocco Santamaria, Salvatore's cousin and a fading TV personality. The quartet signs up for the "Theatre-Song Festival" in Scanzano, naming themselves "Le Pale Eoliche" (The Wind Turbines). Nicola plans to cross Basilicata from the Tyrrhenian to the Ionian coast, suggesting they leave 10 days earlier to go on foot. They are followed by a local TV journalist named Tropea Limongi, reluctantly assigned to document their journey, though she eventually becomes fascinated by their experience. During their long trek, the group walks along little-known backroads, relying on a small wagon pulled by a white horse to transport supplies, instruments, and two tents. They also rehearse the songs they are going to perform at the festival, giving impromptu concerts in the small villages they pass through. Marked by highs and lows, the journey proves to be therapeutic, helping the four band members find the purpose in life they seemed to have lost.
Cast Rocco Papaleo - Nicola Palmieri Alessandro Gassman - Rocco Santamaria Paolo Briguglia - Salvatore Chiarelli Max Gazzè - Franco Cardillo Michela Andreozzi - Lucia Giovanna Mezzogiorno - Tropea Limongi Claudia Potenza - Maria Teresa Gaetano Amato - Vincenzo Limongi Antonio Gerardi - Carmine Augusto Fornari - Rocco's press agent Antonio Andrisani - Priest Giovanni Andriuoli - Tropea's cameraman
Production The film was entirely shot in the Basilicata region. Principal locations include Maratea, Lauria, Tramutola, Aliano, Scanzano Jonico, Craco and Lago di Pietra del Pertusillo. It marked Papaleo's debut as a film director and the first acting experience for musician Max Gazzè.
Reception Box office The film grossed €3.4 million. Critical response The film received mostly favorable reviews. The simple yet engaging plot, the setting, and the music were particularly appreciated by critics. Alberto Crespi of l'Unità called the film "well-acted, well-shot, and full of magnificent music," as well as "poignant, wandering, and emotional". Gianluca Ammone of Cinematografo noted a "lightness of spirit that wins you over, without overdoing it, trying to charm, or taking shortcuts". Maurizio Porro of Corriere della Sera described it as a "vital, likeable film, albeit somewhat wordy and didactic, but full of a genuine desire for cinema and storytelling". On a more critical note, Massimo Bertarelli of Il Giornale dismissed the film's plot and execution as "thin", complaining that "150 kilometers on foot is exhausting even for the viewer".
Accolades Award Category Recipient Result Year RefCiak d'oroBest SoundtrackRocco Papaleo, Max Gazzè, Rita Marcotulli2010Globo d'oroBest First FeatureRocco Papaleo2010Best ComedyRocco PapaleoNastro d'argentoBest New DirectorRocco Papaleo2010 Best ScoreRita MarcotulliDavid di DonatelloBest Directorial DebutRocco Papaleo2011 Best ScoreRita MarcotulliBest Original Song"Mentre dormi" by Max GazzèBest FilmRocco PapaleoBest Supporting ActressClaudia PotenzaBest SoundFrancesco Liotard Best ProducerIsabella Cocuzza, Arturo Paglia, Mark Lombardo, Elisabetta Olmi Best ScreenplayRocco Papaleo, Valter Lupo
Remake A South Korean remake, Blue Busking, was released in 2016.
References
External links