Retelling the Iconic 19th Century Fairy Tale of Pinocchio: Conversation with Director Matteo Garrone

In the Italian countryside, Matteo Garrone brings to life a new interpretation of the beloved 19th-century fairy tale, "Pinocchio". The film, released at Christmas, was a huge success, appealing to both kids and adults, and marked a new challenge for the acclaimed Italian director.

Garrone, known for films like Gomorrah, Tale of Tales, and Dogman, has a long-standing relationship with Roberto Benigni, but their collaboration on the 2019 film adaptation of "Pinocchio" was by coincidence during dinner. Garrone, who was looking for a new idea for his next project, found a kindred spirit in Benigni, who grew up near where Pinocchio was born.

The character of Pinocchio is brought to life by an old woodcarver named Geppetto, played by Benigni. Federico Ielapi portrays Pinocchio, undergoing four hours of make-up every day for three months to bring the puppet to life with special effects. The film is faithful to the original story by Carlo Collodi, with a focus on the dangers and cruelty of life as a warning to kids, and a love story between a father and a son, and a story about redemption.

Garrone's approach in bringing Pinocchio to the big screen involved creating a world where realism and supernaturalism mix. He conducted extensive research on paintings of Italy of that period to reflect the poverty, farming community, and villages, and the film is set in a fantasy world that is both visually stunning and respectful of the original book.

Roberto Benigni's portrayal of Geppetto was an "incredible gift" to the movie, making it respectful of the original book. The film features various creatures, and the biggest challenge was to create a Pinocchio that would surprise the audience and be unaffected.

The film faced challenges in reaching the audience of kids, as they are used to seeing big movies with special effects. However, the film's success with both kids and adults shows that Garrone's interpretation of Pinocchio is a timeless tale that continues to captivate audiences.

Matteo Garrone, who was a painter before becoming a filmmaker, has made his first storyboard of Pinocchio when he was six years old. His passion for the story has remained unwavering, and his latest adaptation of Pinocchio is a testament to his dedication to bringing the classic tale to life in a new and visually stunning way.

Retelling the Iconic 19th Century Fairy Tale of Pinocchio: Conversation with Director Matteo Garrone