Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Known for her striking resemblance to Anna Magnani, Neapolitan actress Lucianna De Falco has ignited the imagination of modern Italian filmmakers who have played on the similarities, allowing her to interpret the style of a cinema icon. “The physical resemblance to Anna Magnani has been a constant, especially at the beginning of my career, and I was scared of it,” said De Falco in a 2019 interview with Fra Noi. “Then I started working, and about 10 years ago, I finally played her in a short film where Magnani and Bette Davis meet, titled “The Big Lie.” I won several awards for my interpretation.”
In 2014, director Paolo Sorrentino cast De Falco as a famous actress channeling Magnani in his enchanting short film, “The Dream.” The acclaimed director was asked to make the film for the Italian luxury brand Bulgari.
Set in the company’s flagship store on Via Condotti in Rome, the story follows a group of lost souls stuck in purgatory as they spend their evenings in the shop. The star, played by Valeria Golino, happens to be walking by and spots her parents, who passed away when she was a child. She follows them into the store and has a run-in with this mysterious famous actress who resembles Magnani. It was a fun and poignant role for De Falco because she actually wore Magnani’s fur and jewelry.
To view the film, click here.
