The Analysis of "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Nostalgia" by Giuseppe Tornatore

Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Nostalgia is portrayed very well in this Italian film this is clearly seen from the flashback at the beginning of the film as Salvatore reminisces on the effect Alfredo had on his childhood. It is also seen from the funeral once Salvatore returns to the now derelict building where he had his first job. You can tell as he views the remains of the building he is nostalgic of his time with alfredo and all the films that he viewed here.

My favourite film technique must be the use of camera angles in this film. I noticed this especially at the beginning of the film when young “Toto” speaks with Alfredo. When the young child speaks to the elder, the camera angle is low, so we look up to Alfredo just as Salvatore did. Also, the camera angle is high when Alfredo speaks to the boy. This, to me, shows the authority of Alfredo. This engaged me, as a viewer to the film I saw, from watching this film that the Catholic church plays a prominent role in the society.

Evidence is seen as Toto was an alter server at masses despite his disinterest. The priest also has gets to see new films in the cinema alone and decides on behalf of the people what parts of the film are acceptable to be on the screen by ringing a bell which alerts the projectionist to remove the “unacceptable” part from the film. The priest is seen through the big moments in the film. Such as the opening of the new cinema. No film is seen until a blessing is carried out by the priest. He is also the final goodbye Salvatore receives before leaving Giancaldo station. Nuns also are teachers at this time showing the strong link between education and the church.

From watching this film, I see that Southern Italy is a poor society. I see this from the cruel beating Toto received from his mother after learning that he spent his money at the cinema instead of what she had asked him to do. I also saw this from the stressed and grief-stricken look of Salvatore’s mother following the death of his father. I believe she was worried about how her and her two children would survive without the help of her spouse. I also found that people in Southern Italy are extremely religious. In church scenes, the church is always full to the brim with people. I believe that religion is deeply important in this society.I really enjoyed the opening sequence of the film. I love the view of the sea with the white curtain showing the proximity of the sea as this film is set in Sicily. I thought it was beautiful.