Arriva la bufera ( 1993 )

Arriva la Bufera (1993): A Storm of Social Satire and Rural Chaos

Arriva la Bufera, released in 1993, is an Italian comedy film directed by Daniele Luchetti. While not as widely known internationally as some of its contemporaries, the film holds a significant place in Italian cinema for its sharp social commentary, its blend of slapstick humor and poignant observations about Italian society, and its reflection of the political anxieties and cultural shifts of the early 1990s. The film's title, literally translating to The Storm is Coming, acts as a metaphor for the impending changes and disruptions that the characters face, both on a personal and societal level. This article delves into the plot, characters, themes, and reception of Arriva la Bufera, exploring its lasting impact on Italian cinema and its continued relevance in understanding Italian society.

Plot Summary

The film is set in a small, rural town in Tuscany, Italy. The story revolves around the Benassi family, who live a relatively quiet and uneventful life on their farm. The family is headed by the patriarch, Pietro (Diego Abatantuono), a simple and somewhat stubborn farmer deeply attached to his land. His wife, Angela (Marina Confalone), is the pragmatic and grounding force in the family, often mediating between Pietro's traditional views and the evolving perspectives of their children. They have three children: Marco (Silvio Orlando), a somewhat disillusioned intellectual who has returned to the countryside after failing to find success in the city; Marina (Margherita Buy), a young woman yearning for independence and a life beyond the farm; and Paolo (Giuseppe Cederna), a more carefree and lighthearted son who often provides comic relief.

The Benassi family's peaceful existence is disrupted by two main events. Firstly, they discover that their land is located near a proposed site for a high-speed railway line. This development threatens their livelihood and their way of life, pitting them against powerful corporations and government officials. Secondly, the arrival of a charismatic and wealthy businessman named Franco (Sergio Castellitto) further complicates matters. Franco, who initially presents himself as a benevolent investor interested in revitalizing the region, gradually reveals his true intentions, which involve exploiting the land for profit and manipulating the local community. Franco's presence stirs up a mix of hope and suspicion among the residents, exposing the divisions and vulnerabilities within the town.

As the threat of the railway line looms and Franco's influence grows, the Benassi family must confront their own internal conflicts and decide how to respond to the impending changes. Marco, initially cynical and detached, rediscovers his sense of purpose by fighting for his family's land. Marina grapples with her desire for independence and her loyalty to her family. Pietro, forced to adapt to the changing times, finds himself questioning his long-held beliefs. Ultimately, the family must band together to resist the forces threatening to destroy their home and their way of life. The film culminates in a chaotic and humorous confrontation, as the Benassi family and the townspeople attempt to thwart Franco's plans and protect their community.

Character Analysis

The film's strength lies in its well-developed and relatable characters, each representing a different facet of Italian society and its struggles with modernization and change.

Pietro Benassi (Diego Abatantuono)

Pietro is the quintessential Italian farmer, deeply rooted in tradition and fiercely protective of his land. He represents the older generation, resistant to change and skeptical of outsiders. However, beneath his gruff exterior lies a deep love for his family and a strong sense of justice. His journey involves learning to adapt to the changing world while remaining true to his values.

Angela Benassi (Marina Confalone)

Angela is the matriarch of the family, providing a voice of reason and stability. She is more pragmatic and open-minded than Pietro, but equally committed to her family's well-being. She acts as a mediator between Pietro and their children, helping them navigate their conflicts and find common ground.

Marco Benassi (Silvio Orlando)

Marco is the intellectual of the family, disillusioned after failing to find success in the city. He returns to the countryside feeling alienated and cynical. However, as the family faces the threat of the railway line and Franco's schemes, Marco rediscovers his sense of purpose and becomes a passionate advocate for his family's land and community.

Marina Benassi (Margherita Buy)

Marina represents the younger generation's desire for independence and a life beyond the confines of the traditional family farm. She is torn between her loyalty to her family and her yearning for a more modern and fulfilling existence. Her struggles reflect the broader challenges faced by young Italians seeking to reconcile tradition with progress.

Paolo Benassi (Giuseppe Cederna)

Paolo is the carefree and comedic member of the family. He provides lighthearted relief amidst the serious issues facing the family. While he may seem less engaged in the central conflicts, he ultimately demonstrates his loyalty and commitment to his family.

Franco (Sergio Castellitto)

Franco is the charismatic and manipulative businessman who disrupts the Benassi family's life. He represents the forces of modernization and corporate greed that threaten to exploit the rural community. His charm and wealth mask his true intentions, making him a formidable antagonist. He is a symbol of the corruption and unchecked power that were prevalent in Italian society during the early 1990s.

Themes

Arriva la Bufera explores several key themes that are relevant to understanding Italian society and its challenges during the early 1990s.

Tradition vs. Modernity

The film examines the clash between traditional rural values and the forces of modernization. The Benassi family's farm represents a way of life that is threatened by the encroaching railway line and the arrival of Franco, who embodies corporate greed and unchecked development. The film explores the tensions between preserving traditional values and adapting to the changing world.

Family and Community

The film emphasizes the importance of family and community in the face of adversity. The Benassi family's ability to unite and support each other is crucial to their survival. The film also highlights the significance of community solidarity in resisting the forces that threaten their way of life. The townspeople's collective action against Franco's schemes demonstrates the power of unity in protecting their shared interests.

Social and Political Commentary

Arriva la Bufera offers a sharp critique of Italian society and politics during the early 1990s. The film satirizes the corruption, bureaucracy, and unchecked power that were prevalent in the country. Franco's character represents the type of unscrupulous businessman who took advantage of the political and economic climate to enrich himself at the expense of ordinary people. The film also touches on the growing disillusionment with traditional political institutions and the rise of new social movements.

Environmental Concerns

The film raises awareness about environmental issues related to unchecked development. The proposed railway line threatens to disrupt the natural landscape and destroy the Benassi family's farm. The film suggests the importance of protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Reception and Impact

Arriva la Bufera was generally well-received by critics and audiences in Italy. The film was praised for its sharp social commentary, its engaging characters, and its blend of humor and pathos. Diego Abatantuono's performance as Pietro was particularly lauded. The film resonated with audiences who were experiencing similar anxieties about the rapid changes occurring in Italian society. While not a box-office blockbuster, the film has endured as a cult classic and is often cited as a significant example of Italian comedy that tackles serious social issues.

The film's impact on Italian cinema lies in its ability to combine entertainment with social commentary. It demonstrates how comedy can be used to explore complex issues and challenge the status quo. Arriva la Bufera also helped to solidify the reputations of its cast members, particularly Diego Abatantuono and Margherita Buy, who went on to become prominent figures in Italian cinema.

Table: Character Relationships

Table: Key Themes and Symbolism

Table: Critical Reception Highlights

Conclusion

Arriva la Bufera is a significant Italian comedy film that offers a nuanced and insightful portrayal of Italian society during the early 1990s. Through its well-developed characters, its engaging plot, and its sharp social commentary, the film explores the challenges faced by a rural community as it confronts the forces of modernization and unchecked development. The film's themes of tradition vs. modernity, family and community, and social and political critique remain relevant today, making Arriva la Bufera a valuable and enduring work of Italian cinema. While perhaps not universally known outside of Italy, it stands as a testament to the power of film to both entertain and provoke thought, offering a snapshot of a particular moment in Italian history while also touching on universal themes of change, resistance, and the importance of community.