The Leopard or Il Gattopardo

I have been a fan of both the book and the film for some time. I first came across the book in 2010 when on holiday in Liguria. I came across the English translation by chance in an International book shop in Santa Margherita Ligure, where Lynn and I were staying. I was so taken by the story that I soon got hold of a copy of the Visconti film and watched that. I was particularly taken by the author’s personal story. He wrote the book at the end of his life and was unable to find a publisher. It was only thanks to the efforts of his adopted son that the book was eventually published. I was also curious about the historical background of Garibaldi and his Thousand and their role in the Unification of Italy. I was unaware of all this at the time.

I have always been struck by the difference in reception to the book and the film between Italian and anglophone audiences. 

All Italians read the book at school and most watch the film at around the same time. Italians have the advantage of knowing the political and historical background to the book when they read it. Similarly when they watch the film they are perfectly aware of the issues facing the Leopard and his family. As a result, whilst the initial Italian reaction is one of appreciation of the artistic endeavour, most Italians see the film and book through the perspective of their own background. Southern Italians see the colonisation of their country by the Northern Italians, socialists see the betrayal of a revolution. I suspect many aristocrats see the decline of their class. All of them wonder how it could have been different. The book was written by a Sicilian aristocrat, the film was made by a Northern communist and the two authors have left their own perspectives on the work.

I think that most non Italian readers and viewers come to the story cold, with no understanding of the historical context. There are obviously exceptions to this rule. Those who have studied Italian history will see the story as Italians do. However for the rest of the anglophone world, unaware of the background, the story is pretty much incomprehensible. I have always felt it strange how successful the film was when it was released in 1963, and how it remains on many lists of the all time greatest movies. I guess the film was and is appreciated as work of art.  The scenery, the cinematography and the actors are sufficient to make the film’s reputation.

The Netflix 6 part series is perhaps an opportunity to open the story up to a wider audience. I note that the script is written by a non Italian. Perhaps and effort will be made to make the historical context clearer and more will be made of the issues at stake. I will watch it and report back in my next blog.

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