Tonight Rai 3 in prime time will broadcast the film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, based on the book of the same name by Umberto Eco.
The name of the rosethe film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Umberto Ecois one of the most acclaimed films of the 1980s. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaudthe feature film grossed over $77 million globally and earned prestigious awards, including the César for Best Foreign Language Film and the BAFTA for best leading actor a Sean Connery. There also had to be a well-known person in the cast Italian comedian who however gave up taking on the role of Salvatore.
An extraordinary cast and decisive choices
The film's success is largely attributable to an exceptional cast. Sean Connery, in the title role William of Baskervilledelivers one of the most memorable performances of his career. This part represented a turning point for the Scottish actor, relaunching him after the James Bond saga. Sir Sean had not been there first choicethe director who had considered other actors including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Donald Sutherland.
Next to Connery, a young man Christian Slater interpreta Adso da Melkthe novice who accompanies Guglielmo in his investigations. His intense and convincing performance captivated the audience, marking the beginning of a promising career. Ron Perlmanin the role of the deformed and disturbing monk Salvatoretransformed the character into an unforgettable figure. The cast is completed by actors of international caliber: how Michael Lonsdale in the role of the Abbot; F. Murray Abraham like the fearsome Bernardo Gui; e Valentina Vargasthe “nameless girl” who embodies the love and desire of young Adso.
Franco Franchi: the comedian who gave up on The Name of the Rose
One of the most intriguing curiosities related to the film concerns Franco Franchifamous Italian comic actor and half of the duo “Franco and Ciccio”. Not everyone knows who the director Jean-Jacques Annaud he had thought of him for the role of the monk Salvatorea very complex and disturbing character.
Franco Franchi, however, he refused the offer for two main reasons. On the one hand, he was not willing to shave his haira requirement requested by the production for scenic needs. On the other, he feared that the public, accustomed to his comic image, might not accept him in such a dramatic and dark role. This fear represents an interesting contrast to the career of his artistic partner, Ciccio Ingrassiawho, unlike Franchi, also tried his hand at more serious roles, such as the one in the film by Federico FelliniAmarcord.
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A complex novel adapted for the big screen
Published in 1980, the narrative work of Umberto Eco is a masterpiece that intertwines the mystery linked to a series of murders in a 14th century Benedictine abbey with profound reflections on the power of knowledge, freedom of thought and conflicts with religious orthodoxy. Jean-Jacques Annaudin bringing it to the big screen, made some simplifications necessary for the cinematographic language, without however betraying the essence of the original work.
