Small Dose of Italian Culture #29

Welcome to the 29th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture!

Italian Movie

Profondo Rosso (Deep Red, 1975) is an iconic horror/thriller film from the 1970s. Its director, Dario Argento, rose to international fame with a series of horror movies that terrified generations.

While the special effects may feel dated today, the film's vintage horror vibe still delivers thrills. It comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.

The soundtrack alone makes this a worthwhile watch.

Italian Song

This time, the Italian song I’d like to highlight is Il più grande spettacolo dopo il Big Bang (The Greatest Show After the Big Bang), an energetic celebration of love.

Jovanotti states, in so many ways, that after the Big Bang, the greatest show of all is “the two of us”.

Famous Italian

Some would argue he's more infamous than famous, but he's for sure a well-known figure in Italy. I'm talking about Fabrizio Corona, a paparazzo who gained notoriety in the 2000s for his involvement in a major scandal involving the extortion of celebrities using compromising photos.

Known for his flashy lifestyle and frequent issues with the law, Corona has since become a controversial media personality, and virtually everyone in Italy knows who he is.

Fabrizio Corona in 2009. Photojournalist Roberto Vicario, CC BY-SA 3.0

Pop Moment

In 2021, Måneskin brought Italy global attention by winning Eurovision with "Zitti e buoni." Their quick rise symbolized a new era of Italian cool on the world stage, with some even comparing Måneskin to The Beatles.

In Italy, reactions were mixed. Many took pride in their international success, while others were more critical. There is a Latin saying that captures this phenomenon well: "Nemo propheta in patria," which means "No one is a prophet in their own land". Something quite often applicable in Italy.

Italian Landmark