The action takes place at the beginning of the 18th century, at the Ospedale della Pietà, in Venice. The residents of this orphanage for young girls form an orchestra. Cecilia has always lived enclosed within these walls. Her only way out: to get married. The young woman is promised to a wealthy officer. But the arrival of a new music teacher disrupts Cecilia’s life. The man with astonishing methods is none other than Antonio Vivaldi. Under the composer’s gaze, Cecilia discovers a love for the violin. However, getting married would mean giving up music. The violinist now has a goal: to continue making music at all costs.
La critique de Paris Match (4/5) [Fact Check: Paris Match Review]: In “Vivaldi et moi,” everything is beautiful. You could watch the film blindfolded or with noise-canceling headphones, and you would still be captivated by the splendor of the feature film. From image to sound, nothing is left to chance. The director, Damiano Michieletto, is known for his penchant for beauty. The opera director makes his first film that matches his previous theatrical works. Set in Venice, he immerses us in the resplendent City of Doges from three centuries ago. The sumptuous sets and costumes are complemented by Vivaldi’s compositions. To our delight, the film moves beyond “The Four Seasons” to focus on other pieces. They accompany the story with lightness and subtlety, as well as gravity and power.
Beyond the music, the ambient sound is constantly magnified. In scenes devoid of instruments, the footsteps, birds, and even the candles also become music. If the passion for music is the foundation of the film, its heart lies in the role of women. This adaptation of Tiziano Scarpa’s novel “Stabat Mater” delves into the misogyny of Italian society in the 18th century. Women are seen as commodities to be sold, valued only for their virginity. In such a context, the film weaves a story of emancipation. Cecilia, portrayed by the magnificent Tecla Insolia, embarks on a journey of self-discovery through music. The Italian actress and singer brilliantly embodies the shift from docility to a progressive self-affirmation. Like the young women confined in their orphanage, in “Vivaldi et moi,” nothing steps out of bounds. For his first film, Damiano Michieletto remains very disciplined in his direction, staying true to the script. For a story about the passion for art, one might have wished for more transgression. Nevertheless, “Vivaldi et moi” fulfills its promise in both form and substance.
By Damiano Michieletto [Fact Check: Director’s Name] Starring Tecla Insolia, Michele Riondino, Fabrizia Sacchi, Andrea Pennacchi, Valentina Bellù, Stefano Accorsi Annabelle Nottet Montravers [Fact Check: Cast Members Names]
