THEn the midst of the unstoppable triumph Of There’s still tomorrow, Paola Cortellesi celebrates 50 years today. More than half spent between cinema and TV as multifaceted artist and also an excellent singer, always at the height of the success she often shared with Riccardo Milani, his husband. With whom she forms one of the golden couples of the show.
Paola Cortellesi, TV imitations and film debut
Remember Wonderful cocoathe theme song of the imaginary sponsor of All the way back by Enzo Arbore? Well, the voice was that of Paola Cortellesi on debut in the world of entertainment (at just 13 years old). Prelude to a successful television career full of laughter.
Especially next to Gialappa’s Band. Who notice her in some small appearance on Rai and call her to Never say goal And Never say Sunday. Where Paola shows off all her multifaceted talent, as in the legendary duets with Olmo – cult character by Fabio De Luigi – and paired with the irreverent magician Forest.
Not to mention the imitations from Carmen Consoli to Fiorella Mannoia, up to the hilarious caricature of political women like Stefania Prestigiacomo. Meanwhile, together with Rocco Tanicabassist of Elio e le Storie Tese and his partner at the time, also writes ironic songs for various other programs.
The exploit with the Gialappi opens them up early the cinema doors. The first important role is that in ask me if I’m happy with Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo. In 2003 comes the “serious” turning point in the theaterwith The last will be the last by Francesco Bruni, which also became a successful film but ten years later, again with Cortellesi. His Luciana – desperate, pregnant and unemployed woman – allows her to for the first time also express all its dramatic potential.
Paola Cortellesi in “The last will be the last”. (01 Distribution)
Famous films and her husband Riccardo Milani
After hosting the variety show with Gianni Morandi One of wePaola he also tries his hand at fiction, a title above all Maria Montessori – A life for childrenwhile at the cinema alternates comedies and serious films. As Riding the tiger by Mazzacurati e Present perfect of her friend Maria Sole Tognazzi, interpreting with intelligence and sensitivity complex roles of independent women and attentive to society’s problems.
The figure is that of a beautiful actress without ever being flashy, versatile and brilliant. The accolades are raining in in 2003 love arrived on the set of The place of the soulwhere Paola and director Riccardo Milani fall in love. Although, as the director recalled in an interview, their first meeting which took place a few months earlier was not the most romantic: «One day I go to my friend Gianni Morandi’s house and I see her in the garden. She was wearing sandals, she was sweaty and her feet were dirty with dirt. I thought it was perfect for my film.”
Written, it is born an iron partnership which still lasts today. And what it produces memorable characters as the desperate housewife Valeria di Mom or dad? And the very compulsive Monica of Like a cat on the ring road (and its sequel). «When we write a screenplay», Paola told What’s the weather like«we are always one step away from divorce because we even argue about commas.”
Paola Cortellesi and Riccardo Milani in 2019. (Getty Images)
The artistic partnership and daughter Laura
After The place of the soul, Paola and Riccardo they string together an unstoppable series of cult titles written by four hands which certify the solidity of their bond. A truly rare symbiosis for a creative couple.
«Working together leads to some misunderstandings, sometimes we even tell each other to hell. But it’s there a lot of difference between the set and the four walls. At home there is a more melancholy and boring atmosphere. A bit in style Sandra and Raimondo». Between the hearth and the thousand commitments, after nine years of engagement, they find time to get married in 2011and two years later their only daughter Laura, known as Lauretta, is born. To which Paola dedicated his latest film There’s still tomorrow.
«She is my muse» says Paola. «I want him to know where we started from and where we need to get to. I want you to learn to never take anything for granted because our conquests have cost tears and blood». The little one has two sisters, Alice and Chiara, born from Milani’s first marriage and, according to mother Paola, all three are very close.
There’s still tomorrow: the success, the tours of the film’s locations
20 million euros in revenue is no small feat, On the contrary. The film – Paola’s directorial debut – is the most watched Italian film of the post-pandemic periodthird highest grossing of 2023 after Barbie And Oppenheimer.
Such a success could not fail to attract the attention of international distributors: Vision Distribution – who is taking care of sales for the foreign market – has already closed agreements with 20 countries. From France to Greece, up to Australia.
In parallel, in Italy the fever around the film does not subside. To the point that demonstrations are organized in Rome tourist tours in Testaccio. Historic neighborhood of Rome made famous by Dear Diary by Nanni Moretti and where the exteriors of the film were shot. For November 25th – International day against violence against women – there is also a special “sociological” tour.
A wave of consensus and popularity also exploited by TV. For example from Rai 2, which is in a very strong audience crisis and in the wake “of the Cortellesi effect” last week has recovered with yet another rerun of The last will be the last. And the broadcast of is already scheduled for next Monday Something new by Cristina Comencini, 2016 film with Paola and Micaela Ramazzotti.
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