Gianfranco Rosi stands out in the modern entertainment landscape with his unique approach to documentary filmmaking. Unlike many creators who seek attention through flashy content, Rosi’s method is characterized by a contemplative and immersive style that has garnered him critical acclaim.
His films often defy conventional norms, emphasizing slow, nuanced storytelling over frenetic pacing. Rosi has received prestigious accolades, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear in Berlin, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in European cinema. He defines his work as “cinema” rather than fitting into traditional classifications between fiction and non-fiction.
Rosi’s latest documentary, “Sotto le nuvole,” portrays the gritty realities of Naples and embodies his trademark style. The filmmaker, now 61 and holding dual American and Italian citizenship, merges deep immersion with a hands-off approach. He typically lives alone at filming locations, eschewing scripts and plans to better connect with his subjects. Over a three-year span in Naples, Rosi focused on capturing the lives of diverse individuals, resulting in a layered narrative that unfolds through real-life interactions.
His breakthrough work, “Sacra GRA,” involved living in a van for two years around Rome, allowing him to gain the trust of people from various backgrounds, including an ambulance driver and a faded aristocrat. Similarly, “Notturno” showcased Rosi’s commitment, as he spent three years documenting the aftermath of the Islamic State at the borders of Iraq and Syria. The extensive time Rosi invests is intentional; he believes it enhances intimacy and captures elusive moments, emphasizing the importance of light in filmmaking.
Rosi’s visual storytelling further sets him apart from typical documentaries, which often rely on shaky cameras and urgent narratives. Instead, he favors static shots with fixed lenses and ample pauses, treating these moments as integral to the rhythm of his films. His latest work features a selection of unconnected Neapolitans—a teacher, a call-center operator, a sailor, and archaeologists—whose experiences unfold gradually, devoid of tourist cliches like pizza and the mafia that often characterize depictions of the city.
In “Sotto le nuvole,” Rosi aims to challenge the existing stereotypes surrounding Naples and explore its complexities. The film is a meditation on time, linking the imposing presence of Mount Vesuvius, the city’s ancient history, and its chaotic present. Shot in black and white, it adds a vintage aesthetic, supported by a minimalist score from Oscar-winner Daniel Blumberg.
Upon its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Rosi’s film received widespread acclaim, winning the Special Jury Prize. The Hollywood Reporter praised his distinct approach to documentary filmmaking, describing his latest project as stunning. Similarly, The Guardian awarded it five stars, highlighting its beautifully composed visual storytelling.