Ricky Tognazzi and Simona Izzo: « Our film, wants to be a tribute to Francesca Morvillo »

Francesca and Giovanni: Francesca Morvillo and Giovanni Falcone, the poignant history of a great love and an equally great common sacrifice in the name of justice. It is titled Francesca and Giovanni. A love story and mafia’s film by Simona and Ricky Tognazzi, in theaters from May 15, dedicated to the tragic story of the two magistrates, victims of the massacre of Capaci on 23 May 1992, based on the book Francesca (published by Solferino) by Felice Cavallaro, who also signs the screenplay of the film transposition.

The story starts since 1979. Palermo is shocked by the mafia attacks. Morvillo (Ester Pantano) is a deputy prosecutor at the Minors Court, where he fights against a retrograde judicial system. And when her professional career seems to enter into crisis, fate gives her the most important encounter of her life, the one with Falcone (Primo Reggiani). Among them, a relationship of love and total sharing, which will see them united up to the last moments of their lives, torn together to the agents of their escort from the bomb of 500 kg of chopper Tito Nostra.

« Many films have told the tragedies of Falcone and Borsellino – debuts Tognazzi – The innovative idea of ​​this new work is to let out of the dark, from the cage in which Francesca was put, always and only known as Falcone’s wife ». Izzo intervenes: «Francesca was very close to her husband, she recommended it, even correctly correct him, the minutes … he shared everything with him: love and ideals. Telling her is a challenge and a privilege. Ours is a tribute to her, to her courage ». Cavallaro underlines: «We tried to fill a gap. For a long time we have been talking about Capaci, without saying that Morvillo was a magistrate, daughter of magistrate, a woman who had a great career in front of him: in describing her, we did not invent anything ».

What was the most difficult aspect in facing such a delicate topic? « As happened, in some cases, for other films on this kind of themes – Tognazzi replies – this too could raise controversy, which perhaps come from hidden places ». Izzo: «Yes, it can happen, but we feel first of all protected by our good faith in treating a painful truth. In addition, we were supported, helped by Francesca’s brother, Alfredo Morvillo, and by the poet Cetta Brancato, who wrote « singing for Francesca », a monologue to which we inspired us very much « . Tognazzi adds: « Another strong concern is the need for synthesis: it is impossible to represent in just two hours of film such a complicated plot, trying to select the events, to reach the essence of the truth of the events that occurred ». And Izzo: « And then we had to fall into the dialogues of their intimacy: who can say with certainty what Francesca and Giovanni whispered to each other at certain times? ».

Two great characters, united in life and death. Tognazzi: «Falcone was well aware of what could happen, in fact he said: surely there is a price to pay. A modern hero, who knows how to risk defeat ». Izzo: «Hand died in hand, as if to say: we did everything, even to be happy. But Ricky and I – he adds – were surprised by the fact that, in the church of San Domenico in Palermo, there is the tomb of Falcone, while only a plaque is dedicated to Morvillo and its body is located in the family tomb at the cemetery of Santa Maria dei Rotoli « .

A very united couple also that Tognazzi-Izzo. Working together, husband and wife, is it easier or more tiring? He says: « We got used to it and, when sometimes I find myself alone to solve problems, I immediately think of what Simona would do. » She says: « We are very critical with each other. » He concludes, laughing: « I turn 70 on May 1st: I arrive intact and enthusiastic about our work ».
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