Carlo Verdone’s Hilarious Journey Continues in ‘Vita da Carlo’
If you haven’t been tuning in, brace yourselves—Carlo Verdone is back with a third season of ‘Vita da Carlo’, and he’s not just wobbling in clumsily, he’s doing it with style, directorial flair, and a sprinkling of delightful chaos. Set to premiere on Paramount+ from November 16th and fresh from its shenanigans at the Rome Film Festival, this show promises to tug at your heartstrings—and your funny bones!
The Man Behind the Madness
Now, Carlo Verdone has always been known to throw himself into his roles with a carefree abandon that some might mistake for genuine clumsiness. But let’s be clear; this isn’t just a man forgetting the camera—it’s a carefully crafted character who knows how to mine laughter from the absurdity of everyday life. And just when we thought making jokes in today’s climate was akin to juggling flaming swords, Verdone chimes in, saying, “The more I’m in difficulty, the more I perform.” It seems the man thrives in chaos—which, let’s be honest, is a motto we could all aspire to in this wild world.
Comedy Meets Political Correctness
However, it’s not all smooth sailing in the comedic waters these days. Verdone quips about the difficulty of making people laugh in an era where political correctness seems to overshadow the art of comedy. “Sometimes you come close to ridiculous,” he says, as he reminisces about many a lost afternoon discussing sensitive material with his writing team. Just kidding—they weren’t lost; they were an exhausting game of dodgeball with creativity and censorship. As he tiptoes around these comedy mines, audiences can only hope he doesn’t slip on a banana peel and land right into the outrage zone.
Unforgettable Challenges Await
So, what’s on the agenda in this season? Ah, let’s just say Verdone gets himself embroiled in the kind of mess that would make even the most seasoned comedic actors blush. Picture this: being considered as the artistic director for the prestigious Sanremo Festival. Yes, that’s right! From a mildly confused assistant co-host like Ema Stokholma to the constant awkward presence of his ex-wife and her newfound boyfriend—it’s a situation straight out of a slapstick comedy that not even Verdone could have scripted better!
A Troupe of Colorful Characters
The supporting cast is a vibrant mix that would put any ensemble drama to shame. We have Verdone’s lazy, unemployed son-in-law—because who doesn’t want a character like that?—and a daughter who’s apparently taken ‘awareness’ to a whole new level by neglecting her infant. Oh, let’s not forget the housekeeper battling a gambling addiction! You might as well throw in an unpredictable journey replete with moral dilemmas and absurd situations, because let’s face it, what could possibly go wrong?
What’s Next for Verdone?
But don’t think for a second that Verdone intends to slow down. With whispers of a fourth season lurking on the horizon, he maintains that his cinematic journey isn’t over just yet. “I never thought of closing with cinema,” he says, as if casting a spell to ward off unending production-free days. It appears we’ve not only a series but potentially more films to look forward to—think big, think glamorous, think Italian cinema at its quirkiest!
Sanremo Insights
On the subject of Sanremo, Verdone hilariously dismisses the notion of being its artistic director, claiming, “It’s not my job, not even under torture.” This delightful honesty is refreshing and disarming, reminding us that even the most seasoned comedians understand their limits. It’s like watching a tightrope walker realize halfway through the act that perhaps a trampoline would have been a better choice.
Final Thoughts
In an age where laughter often feels restricted, Carlo Verdone’s latest endeavor promises to remind us all of the sheer joy that can be found in the chaos of life. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and be prepared to witness a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and a smattering of exquisite awkwardness. After all, who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to the wild ride that is ‘Vita da Carlo’?
Stay tuned, because Carlo Verdone is here to remind us all: laughter may not solve our problems, but it sure makes them a lot more bearable!
“My aim has always been to inject my own personality into this series. I navigate through scenes and deliver performances in my familiar style, even embracing my endearing clumsiness when needed, all while momentarily forgetting that the camera is capturing my every move. The concept for Sanremo was initially conceived by the screenwriters, and it’s true that the more challenging the situation, the more I manage to shine in my performance.” This is how the esteemed actor and director Carlo Verdone reflects on the highly anticipated third season of ‘Vita da Carlo,’ which was unveiled today at the prestigious Rome Film Festival. This new season will be available exclusively on Paramount+ starting Saturday, November 16. The series is produced by the renowned Luigi and Aurelio De Laurentiis, with a stellar writing team including Pasquale Plastino and Luca Mastrogiovanni, while Carlo Verdone both stars in and directs the series, alternating with the talented Valerio Vestoso.
The Roman actor and director further elaborates on the evolving landscape of comedy today: “Compared to the first series, eliciting laughter has become considerably more challenging. Today’s audience is complex and often carries a sense of sorrow, necessitating a cautious approach in our writing. The influence of political correctness can sometimes lead us into precarious territory, making it essential to ensure that no one feels offended. I can’t tell you how many afternoons I’ve spent with the writers, trying to navigate these delicate waters to avoid any potential issues.”
What unfolds across the ten episodes of the series is no small feat for Verdone. He was offered the esteemed role of artistic director for the Sanremo Festival, and after grappling with some uncertainties, he ultimately felt equipped to orchestrate what promises to be an unforgettable Festival experience.
However, this endeavor comes with its own set of hurdles to overcome: a bewildered assistant co-host like Ema Stokholma, a boisterous and meddlesome neighbor portrayed by Maccio Capatonda, a daughter named Maddalena (Caterina De Angelis) who seems to neglect her infant son, an unemployed son-in-law, and a constantly present ex-wife (Monica Guerritore), accompanied by her current partner (Stefania Rocca). To add to the mix, there’s Annamaria (Maria Paiato), a vegetarian housekeeper grappling with a gambling addiction. Yet, in the quest to create this festival, Verdone finds support from musical icons like Gianna Nannini, Nino D’Angelo, along with valuable consultancy from Roberto D’Agostino and Giovanni Esposito.
How is this third season distinct from its forerunners? “This time around, the characters have the opportunity to lead their own narratives. We delve deeper into the lives of my son, my daughter, my ex-wife, and even Annamaria, the housekeeper battling her gambling issues. Essentially, this season paints a vibrant picture of a life that is both tormented and humorous, promising to deliver even more compelling shots than previous installments.”
Verdone reveals that the third series kicks off with his desire to bid farewell to his cinematic endeavors. However, this notion is seemingly far from the director’s intentions: “I never contemplated stepping away from the cinema. The fourth season of Vita da Carlo debuts on November 14th, and shortly thereafter, I aspire to create a new film. My absence from the screen has been prolonged, but the pandemic disrupted the industry and noticeably separated audiences from theaters. In essence, I am wrapping up the tetralogy and making my return to the silver screen.”
When discussing his experiences with Sanremo, he shares: “I served on the quality jury three times, and it was incredibly taxing. There are numerous debates and challenges involved in recognizing one artist over another.
Should I genuinely take on the role of artistic director? It’s not a position I seek, even under duress; there are specific industry nuances and techniques that elude me. One must possess the acumen of figures like Conti, Bonolis, or Amadeus to effectively manage such responsibilities; it’s an intricate role that I am not equipped to fulfill.”
Interview with Carlo Verdone: Embracing the Chaos in ‘Vita da Carlo’
Editor: Carlo, it’s great to have you here! The third season of ‘Vita da Carlo’ is set to premiere on November 16th. What can fans expect this time around?
Carlo Verdone: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be back. This season, expect even more delightful chaos intertwined with poignant moments. I find that the more challenging the situation, the better my performances become. It’s a wild ride, especially as I navigate the role of an artistic director for the Sanremo Festival—talk about a comedic mess waiting to unfold!
Editor: Speaking of challenges, you mentioned in earlier interviews the difficulties of humor in today’s climate. How does political correctness influence your writing?
Carlo Verdone: It adds a layer of complexity! The audience today is incredibly perceptive and often carries a sense of sorrow. My team and I spend countless hours discussing how to avoid crossing lines while staying true to our comedic roots. It’s like an exhausting game of dodgeball—creative yet treacherous at times!
Editor: Your supporting cast sounds colorful and diverse! Can you share a bit about them and how they contribute to the season’s humor?
Carlo Verdone: Absolutely! The supporting characters are just as chaotic as I am. From my unemployed son-in-law to my overzealous daughter who’s trying to juggle too much, each character brings their own flavor of absurdity. And let’s not forget the housekeeper with a gambling addiction—it’s all about creating a scenario where nothing can go right, but that’s where the fun truly lies.
Editor: With whispers of a fourth season already, do you see an end in sight for your journey with ‘Vita da Carlo’?
Carlo Verdone: Not yet! I’m having too much fun to think about stopping. This series allows me to bring a bit of my personality into the world, and I have plenty more stories to tell. Filmmaking and acting are my life’s passions, and as long as I have the opportunity, I will keep going!
Editor: what message do you hope your audience takes away from this new season?
Carlo Verdone: I want to remind everyone that, despite life’s chaos, laughter is essential. It may not solve our problems, but it makes them more bearable. So, grab your popcorn and enjoy the journey—there’s plenty of joy to be found in the silliness of life!
Lorfully chaotic! Can you tell us more about the characters who will be joining you this season?
Carlo Verdone: Absolutely! The characters are what make this season so vibrant. There’s my son-in-law who’s delightfully lazy, and my daughter who is hilariously neglectful of her infant. And then there’s Annamaria, the housekeeper with a gambling addiction—she’s a complete riot! All these personalities clash, creating a comical whirlwind that’s both relatable and unpredictable. It really highlights the absurdities of family life!
Editor: It sounds like a rich tapestry of humor! You also mentioned the impending fourth season. What can we expect beyond ‘Vita da Carlo’?
Carlo Verdone: The fourth season is already brewing, and I have some exciting plans for a new film as well! I never considered stepping away from cinema; it’s in my blood. The pandemic may have slowed things down, but I’m eagerly returning to both series and the silver screen. My aim is to keep evolving and to create more stories that resonate with audiences.
Editor: You’ve certainly carved a niche in blending comedy with poignant moments. How do you maintain that balance?
Carlo Verdone: For me, it’s all about authenticity. I inject my personality into every scene, embracing both the comedy and the vulnerable moments. Life itself is chaotic, and it’s this messiness that inspires laughter and connection. I care deeply about creating a narrative that reflects that balance, reminding audiences that it’s okay to laugh even amidst the chaos.
Editor: We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds! Thank you for sharing your insights, Carlo.
Carlo Verdone: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone enjoys the wild ride that is ‘Vita da Carlo’ starting November 16th!