Bellucci Discusses Her Role as a Frustrated Mother in Guadagnino-Backed Drama at Locarno
At the Locarno Film Festival, Monica Bellucci praised the young cast and director Giovanni Tortorici for his second feature, 'Ketticè', which is produced by Luca Guadagnino. Bellucci described her character as a mother who yells and is a victim of her social role, having forgotten her femininity. The Italian actress highlighted the film's exploration of maternal frustration and societal expectations.
The drama, set in 2012 Palermo, follows a disaffected teenager whose bond with a confident peer offers an escape from adult judgment. Bellucci portrays the boy's aristocratic mother, whose suppressed frustration manifests in compulsive snacking and constant yelling, creating a tense, mutually humiliating dynamic with her son.
Director Tortorici drew on personal memories for a scene involving a girl's admiration for Mussolini, framing it as a symptom of the Berlusconi era's youth culture. The film, shot by Camilla Cattabriga and edited by Marco Costa, features young leads discovered through extensive street casting, with international sales handled by PiperPlay.
This film's focus on maternal frustration and generational disconnect could resonate with audiences navigating shifting family dynamics and societal pressures. By highlighting a mother trapped by social expectations, the story may spark conversations about overlooked emotional labor and the silent struggles of women in traditional roles. Additionally, the film's examination of youth disillusionment during a specific political era could offer viewers a lens to reflect on contemporary parallels, potentially influencing cultural discourse on parenting and identity.