Vanessa Scalera, one of Italy's most promising actresses, continues to garner attention for her multifaceted roles, particularly as she stars in the highly anticipated film 'Diamanti' directed by Ferzan Ozpetek, set to hit theaters on December 19. The film promises to provide viewers with a captivating look at women's lives during the golden age of Italian cinema, interweaving personal stories within the artistic backdrop of costume design.
Scalera portrays Bianca Vega, who is not just any character; she is depicted as an Oscar-winning costume designer striving to bring her vision to life for some of the most notable directors of the time. The character navigates her way through the sartorial world, run by two sisters, Alberta and Gabriella, played by Luisa Ranieri and Jasmine Trinca, respectively. This film envelops its audience within the vibrant world of 1970s Italy, where costume design was celebrated, and the stories of women took center stage rather than relegated to the background.
During the filming process, Scalera encountered the challenges of bringing her role to the screen. She humorously recalled, "Diamanti? I made a fool of myself on the first take. Every time I open Instagram I think I should close it right away" (Original quote in Italian: "Diamanti? Ho fatto una figuraccia al primo ciak. Ogni volta che apro Instagram penso di doverlo chiudere subito."). Such candid confessions showcase Scalera's relatable vulnerability and her genuine approach to her craft.
The film is notable for its ensemble cast, which emphasizes the strength of women, both on and off the screen. Ferrzan Ozpetek has masterfully woven the film's themes around womanhood, competition, camaraderie, and creativity, offering audiences insight not just through the lens of film but through the very fabric of what women's stories represent.
Scalera's role as Bianca is emblematic of her broader career path. She has ventured through various styles and challenges, making her mark as Cosima Serrano not long ago in the series 'Qui non è Hollywood,' where she dealt with sensitive topics surrounding the Sarah Scazzi case. Here, her ability to navigate complex emotions has earned her accolades from various quarters, including praise from Federica Sciarelli, who remarked, "You are brilliant, perfect at bringing Cosima to the scene" during their conversation.
"Shooting 'Diamanti' was both fun and challenging," Scalera noted, recalling the laughter shared during breaks as they tried to bring levity to demanding scenes. This camaraderie reflects the themes of the film itself, where the relationships between women are celebrated and explored with depth and nuance.
Despite the strength of women highlighted on screen, Scalera has expressed concerns about the representation of female narratives within cinema. She noted the prevalent trend where major cinema still falls short of including nuanced female stories, often leaving such tales to streaming platforms. This observation points to the cultural shift needed to truly celebrate women's experiences within mainstream cinema.
Beyond the roles themselves, Scalera's candid discussions about social media reflect larger societal issues artists face today. She describes her love-hate relationship with platforms like Instagram, commenting on the pressures of maintaining one’s image: "Every time I open Instagram I think I should close it right away. Then I read compliments and enjoy them. It's vanity I cannot renounce. I hate it and wonder: 'Vanessa, do you really need this?"
Throughout her artistic endeavor, Scalera acknowledges her roots and the foundational experiences shape her character as both actress and individual. Growing up in Latiano, she was immersed in dance from the age of four and quickly fell for the stage's allure. Her family, always supportive, encouraged her to pursue her passions, rooting her burgeoning career firmly within her early experiences.
Even as she enjoys successes, Scalera remains devoted to her social conscience, voicing her opinions on political matters, including her discontent with certain political decisions made by figures such as Matteo Salvini. Her commitment to impacting society through her art and activism is evident and something she strives to carry forward through her roles.
Vanessa Scalera’s career is not just about her roles; it’s about how she has transcended them to become a voice advocating for women's stories and experiences. With 'Diamanti' and her earlier work, she has proven she can navigate challenges with humor and grace, all the whilst shaping significant conversations about femininity and representation within the arts.
