“In a country in which money has become all-important, such as Italy, one of the things that has been lost is femininity, woman’s value. The character of Elodie, played by Laura Chiatti, offends me. Those of us who were teenagers in the 70s were a lot freer, I think that serious steps backwards have been taken in this regard,” said director Francesca Comencini at the presentation of A casa nostra, one of the Italian films in competition in the Cinema 2006 section, which will have its general screening tonight at 7:30 pm at the Sala Sinopoli.

The entire film revolves around money, just like Italy today. It is an ensemble film that tells the stories of various people whose lives cross and touch. Luca Zingaretti plays Ugo, a banker dealing in illicit business. “The good thing about my character,” said the actor, “is that he’s not aware of being a bad person, he unwittingly reacts badly. His home life is normal, but outside he’s ruthless”.

He is being investigated by Rita (Valeria Golino), an officer of the Revenue Corps and a strong woman, but the banker seems to be protected by higher-ups. Chiatti is Elodie, Ugo’s young lover and a cokehead. “I went into analysis after making this film,” said Chiatti “I tried to be very introspective in playing Elodie. She is a complex character, catapulted into a world she does not know, she feels inadequate rather than beautiful”. Then there is Otello, who is trying to redeem his past, wonderfully portrayed by Giuseppe Battiston.

“All of the characters are chasing after something,” said the director. “Perhaps everyone should have a simpler life, but no one manages to do so. I think I’ve made a good film. I tried to present my country and the ease with which money is stolen, but the scandals that actually exist in Italy are far graver than those in my film. It is makes people talk, that’s a good thing”.