Yes indeedy, I saw Comencini's Le Avventure di Pinnocio at cinema club last night, the version that is considered by all to be THE ultimate Pinnocio movie. Once again, cinema club has not failed in bringing me the ultimate Italian movie experience. Much darker than its Disney counterpart, this version closely follows the book. An example of its darker tone can be found midway through the movie when two thieves hang the small boy from a tree to convince him to reveal the location of his gold.
The little boy who plays Pinnocio is adorable as is the man who plays Gepetto. He reminded me a little of my Italian teacher, but older. Gepetto spends a lot of time calling Pinnocio's name and has a very distinct way of doing so hence the introduction. I'm sure most of you already know the basic story of Pinnocio so I won't explain the plot as in depth as I usually do. But I will add one thing for those only acquainted with the Disney version: remember the cricket? In this version he only appears for a few seconds and plays a very inconsequential role. Nor is he the only animal to talk to Pinnocio-- a chicken gives him advice and a tunny fish gives him and his father a ride home after escaping the monster shark. The fairy, on the other hand, shows up a lot and cares for Pinnocio as she switches him from boy to puppet, depending on his behavior and need.
What would be this blog without a reference to my latest culinary adventures? On the recently dubbed "ethnic Tuesday" my roomies and I ventured out into the cold, rainy, sleety nastiness to a Greek restaurant down the street. I am sure you are all tired of hearing this but it was SO GOOD! Instead of a bread basket we were given a basket of warm pita. To my dismay and surprise, the restaurant did not offer hummus. I ordered a pita vegetariana and buried my sorrow in its deliciousness. Topped with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and frenchfries, the pita is laid flat and spread with tzaziki. I devoured it and was left feeling full and happy.
Speaking of rainy, sleety nastiness, come on Florence! Stop emulating moody Ohio and pick a weather (preferably of the springish sort) and stay with it. I want the sun! Grr...
So, the next few weeks are going to be BIG and my internet time will probably be sporadic. Next week is midterms, this weekend is Verona (!) then the week after midterms is spring break. Which equals Ireland! And (hopefully) some sort of trip to Pompeii. We'll see how my planning skills/budget hold up to that one. Never fear, my spring break WILL be interesting even if I do nothing after Ireland. And, don't worry, you will hear from me during midterms... I have a paper to write and blogging is a perfect pretending to work/procrastination/waiting for an idea to hit me activity.
One last scene from Pinnocio, as Gepetto and Pinnocio are heading home on the tunny:
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