Sicily and Italy as Metaphors

The scope of this course is to examine the cinematic adaptation of Leonardo Sciascia’s literary works by some of the most important Italian filmmakers such as Damiano Damiani, Elio Petri, Francesco Rosi, Gianni Amelio, and others among the many directors drawn to the uncompromising work of the Sicilian author. Starting from Il girono della civetta (The Day of the Owl) and A ciascuno il suo (We Still Kill the Old Way) the course will explore and analyze how these directors have transposed in cinematic images the artistic, literary qualities of Sciascia’s masterpieces. We will also explore how the films have reused the unique form of his romanzo giallo (Sicilian mystery novel) as a medium to unmask the facts beneath the respectable veneer of Italian politics and society.