Italian Studies

By: MJ Asuncion

It is difficult to remember what life was truly like before the global pandemic swept across the world. Before the need for masks, social distancing and drastically reduced capacity limitations, there was a time when the world seemed more carefree and fuller of spontaneity. It was a time when meeting people, discovering new places and walking freely through crowds didn’t immediately come with hesitation and second thoughts. What if we could escape to that feeling of freedom, even for a moment?

The film Italian Studies explores the reinvention of self in a way that allows the viewer a moment of escape through the eyes and adventure of its main character, played by Academy Award nominee Vanessa Kirby. The film, which is set in pre-COVID Manhattan, finds a mysterious woman (later known to be credited author Alina Reynolds) wandering the streets in a state of confusion and disorientation. She is uncertain of who she is or where she is meant to be going. Aimlessly going from corner to corner, traveling the subway and drifting in and out of what seems to be echoes of either herself or her imagination, she eventually encounters Simon (Simon Brickner). Alina finds herself drawn to the charismatic teenager who sparks thought and curiosity and, thus, agrees to venture out into the night together.

The film has no linear direction and often feels like a hazy lucid dream, told in fragmented pieces where viewers are left uncertain if the thoughts in Alina’s head are actual events or figments of her creative mind. Though unsure of who she is, Alina navigates the city with such self-assurance that is only due to Kirby’s brilliant performance. The actress’s own captivating energy is powerful enough to keep viewers believing in her character’s Alice in Wonderland state of self-discovery. New York feels like the other main character in this film, as the journey would not be the same in any other setting. Additionally, there is a real sense of nostalgia to those who remember New York pre-pandemic.

As with his other two features, Italian Studies is the third feature from director (and screenwriter) Adam Leon which takes place in New York. Born and raised in New York, Leon expertly uses the city’s atmosphere, locations and people in his films. Leon’s debut directorial effort Gimme the Loot won the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW and was an official selection at Cannes and his follow up, Tramps, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Despite the interesting concept and having one of the best performers in the industry today, Italian Studies didn’t quite hit the mark. There wasn’t enough about Alina to become heavily invested in her character. Viewers are also not given a chance to gravitate towards any of the other supporting cast, which includes promising actress Maya Hawke (daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman). The timeline too often jumps back and forth between events and seasons but lacks graceful fluidity. Dialogue spoken is mixed in throughout the film as if it were background noise and it did not well emphasize the plot. Outside of Kirby’s inexplicable allure, the other saving graces are the brilliant cinematograph by Brett Jutkiewicz, which gives it a dream like atmosphere and the street level view around New York that is both immersive and compelling.

Italian Studies alludes to the idea that it is possible to reinvent who you are if you simply had no choice. This is something that feels very relatable after long months of isolation.