Blog

Aug

21

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Embracing Change and Diversity: Lessons from Tolkien’s World

Literature, Society

J.R.R. Tolkien, through his majestic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," has gifted the world not only a masterful work of fantasy but also provoked deep reflections on sociological issues. One of the most evocative phrases is uttered by Bilbo Baggins: “It's dangerous, Frodo, stepping outside your door. You start a journey, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” These words open up multiple perspectives. In a constantly changing world, Bilbo's words serve as both a warning and a stimulus to ponder our position in society and the life choices…

Aug

20

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Artistic Intrigue of Tooth Pullers: Unveiling Society’s Past

Art

Genre painting, also known as "scenes of everyday life," has always held a particular allure. This style highlights moments from daily life: from village festivals to simple domestic interiors, from market life to agricultural fields. Despite often being relegated to a "lesser" position compared to portraiture or grand mythological and sacred themes, it possesses an unmatched narrative strength.During the Renaissance, both the aristocracy and the Church viewed this genre with suspicion. However, with the rise of the bourgeoisie and the emergence of the merchant class in the 16th century, especially in the Netherlands, genre painting found its audience. Lucas Van…

Aug

18

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Lesser-Known Art of Lewis Carroll: A Journey Through His Photography

Art, Literature

Lewis Carroll, the pseudonym of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, is best known as the author of "Alice in Wonderland." Yet Carroll had another, lesser-known passion: photography. During the 19th century, he was a pioneer of this art form, capturing images that offer a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian era.His photographs allow us to see a more intimate and personal side of the iconic Alice's creator. Portraits of women and children, landscapes, self-portraits – all were subjects of his careful lens. Among his most famous photographs are those of young Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired the character of Alice in his…

Aug

18

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Juno (2007): A Cinematic Ode to Authenticity and Empathy

Movies

In a cinematic landscape dominated by special effects and intricate plots, the 2007 film "Juno" stands out for its disarming sincerity. Masterfully directed by Jason Reitman and brilliantly scripted by Diablo Cody, the film champions delicate themes, tackling them with an innate lightness that doesn't undermine their depth.Ellen Page, portraying the young Juno, embodies the quintessence of a teenager grappling with adult decisions. Her unexpected pregnancy becomes not just a reflection on the uncertainty of youth, but also a commentary on the current social condition of teenagers. Juno's choice to continue her pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption…

Aug

17

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Decoding ‘Angyali üdvözlet’: A Cinematic Exploration of Human Nature

Movies

"Angyali üdvözlet", known to English-speaking audiences as "The Annunciation", is a masterpiece of Hungarian cinema that surprises, intrigues, and fascinates. Directed by András Jeles and inspired by Imre Madách's play "The Tragedy of Man", the film is a journey through the very essence of humanity, with children in the roles of the protagonists.Aesthetically, "Angyali üdvözlet" is a dreamlike vision. Its ethereal and dreamy cinematography creates a world that seems suspended between heaven and earth. The settings vary, ranging from the lush gardens of Eden to post-apocalyptic landscapes, with each scene being a moving painting. The bold and innovative choice of…

Aug

17

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Beyond the Selfie: Reimagining Museum Visits in the Digital Age

Art, Society

In an era where culture is reduced to an Instagram post, discerning between the genuine visitor and the ephemeral one becomes increasingly arduous. The surge of museum selfies, propelled by influencers like Ferragni with her iconic shot at the Uffizi, has opened the doors to a crucial question: do we really need "many" visitors, or rather, "good" visitors?Museums have always been regarded as temples of knowledge, places where art, history, and culture merge in a silent yet eloquent dance. They are spaces designed to enrich the soul, where visitors should immerse themselves in contemplation, guided by a desire to learn…

Aug

16

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Exploring ‘The Seventh Seal’: Bergman’s Timeless Meditation on Humanity

Movies

In a cinematic landscape saturated with entertainment, Ingmar Bergman's masterpiece, "The Seventh Seal," stands out as a beacon of introspection and philosophical inquiry. Set in a desolate, plague-ridden medieval Sweden, the film takes viewers on a journey through the soul of humanity, exploring the fragility of life and the tension between faith and doubt.Antonius Block, the protagonist knight, masterfully portrayed by Max von Sydow, embodies the modern individual, tormented by a lack of spiritual certainties. His chess game with Death is not just a mere struggle for survival, but also an embodiment of the human desire to find meaning in…

Aug

15

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Mists of Avalon’: A Modern Take on Arthurian Legends

Literature

Marion Zimmer Bradley's novel "The Mists of Avalon" represents not just a reinterpretation of the Arthurian myth, but also a profound reflection on gender dynamics, power, and religion in Anglo-Saxon society. The saga is particularly distinguished for the way it reworks the stories of traditionally marginalized or demonized female characters in Arthurian narratives.From a historical standpoint, Bradley provides a glimpse into a tumultuous post-Roman Britain, where the old pagan ways are in conflict with the growing power of Christianity. This context offers an accurate representation of the religious tension that pervaded England during this transitional period.From a sociological perspective, "The…

Aug

15

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Carlo Mollino’s Vision: The Controversial Restoration of Teatro Regio di Torino

Art, History

The Teatro Regio di Torino, one of Italy's most famous opera houses, has a long and rich history dating back to the 18th century. However, one of the theater's most well-known and debated episodes concerns the 20th-century restoration carried out by the eclectic architect and designer Carlo Mollino.Carlo Mollino was undoubtedly one of the most singular and fascinating personalities in the Italian architectural and artistic landscape. Though renowned for his brilliant and bold vision in design and architecture, Mollino also had a hidden and controversial passion: erotic photography. Through private Polaroids, the architect portrayed women in sensual poses, creating a…

Aug

14

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Remembering Piero Angela: A Year Without the Maestro of Science Communication

Society

It has been a year since the disappearance of Piero Angela, a pillar of scientific dissemination, and the void left behind is evident to everyone. The vast television community he created over half a century of dedication to scientific dissemination has taken different paths, yet always under the shadow of his teachings. This change might have been what he himself had foreseen, as he had always worked to train new generations of communicators.Piero Angela's loyal viewers, many of whom also became avid readers, have felt the crack of his absence. Whether choosing to watch an episode of "SuperQuark" or diving…