Interview with actor Vito: from experience with Federico Fellini to projects in TV, theater

Vito (Stefano Bicocchi) has worked in cinema, appearing in films such as Federico Fellini's "The Voice of the Moon," Alessandro Benvenuti's "Ivo the Tardy," Luciano Ligabue's "Radio Arrow," and Cosimo Gomez's "Me and Spotty" (2022). 

You began your acting career in Federico Fellini's "The Voice of the Moon." What was Fellini like on set? 

"Fellini gave very precise instructions; he had the entire film in his mind. He knew each character's journey. When I arrived on set, he would tell me what to do, and he knew how to guide the story. But he would only tell me in the morning." 

How do you remember that experience with Fellini?

"It was my first film, so I started at the top, with a role in a Fellini movie. It's an experience I'll carry with me forever, unique, and I believe not many can boast of such an opportunity."

Look at the Gallery: Federico Fellini Movies

You've worked on TV in "Inspector Coliandro." Why do you think the series has been so successful? 

"For me, Coliandro is a character that goes beyond the stereotypes of police TV shows. We have important screenwriters, and the Manetti brothers' direction is crucial. All these elements make the product different from everything else so far, in terms of acting, directing, and writing. The Manetti brothers know how to add that extra something that others don't have. Plus, it's shot in Bologna, a city that's been underutilized. Even though I'm from Bologna, I discovered corners of the city I didn't know." 

Your comedy is often surreal. How do you create a sketch or character that you then present to the public? 

"I do a sort of contemporary theater. What I perform on stage is what I bring to everyday life. I analyze the flaws of normal people, amplify them, so that this soul is then rendered to the audience. When I go for coffee in the morning, when I go to the post office, I observe, and then when I go home, I say, 'Did you see that guy?' Maybe at the beginning, it was more surreal comedy. Now more than ever, there's an observation of everyday life."

Can you tell us about your upcoming projects? 

"I did a series for Netflix, with Luca Zingaretti, which I can't talk about. This summer I shot for Rai 1, 'The Girl Behind the Counter,' with Cristiana Capotondi." 

Now you're in theater. 

"Yes, with 'The Height of Lasagna.' I brought it to Milan, and it's written by Francesco Freyrie and Andrea Zalone. It's a monologue about daily desperation, politically incorrect, very funny." 

Going back to your experience with Fellini, do you think there's a possibility today for Italian cinema to have the same visibility abroad? 

"There's Paolo Sorrentino who's doing excellent work. It's the passing of time, new generations coming up, maybe they need more time to establish themselves. We have directors who can take the place, it's difficult to match Fellini, De Sica, Monicelli, because everything has changed a bit. But we have what it takes to make an international leap."

Photo by Giovanni Bortolani

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