Luca Marinelli arrives in theater in the iconic black jumpsuit of Diabolik, the famous masked thief from the comic series, always on the hunt for jewels and in love with Eva Kant
We have been waiting for his Diabolik for a long time. Two years after the end of filming, on December 16th, the film by the Manetti brothers finally arrives on the screens with 01 Distribution, starring Luca Marinelli as the masked thief. And alongside him Miriam Leone in the role of Eva Kant and Valerio Mastandrea in those of Inspector Ginko. Marinelli, who in the meantime has been shooting Le Otto Montagne by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, from the novel by Paolo Cognetti, tells Ciak how he worked to give body and soul to one of the greatest icons of comics.
Have you been or are you a reader of the comic?
I read it because I always found it in every house I went to as a child. There was a Diabolik everywhere and everyone knows him. I thought about it just when they told me I had landed the role. I’ve actually always loved comics: as a child I read Topolino, then came the passion for Dylan Dog.
What fascinates you about this character?
Many things prompted me to “find” Diabolik. Everyone knows what he is like, what he says, even if no one knows how he really speaks because comics have no voice. Everyone has a specific image of him, but I have faced him like most of the other roles in my career. They entrusted me with a character and I went there to take the things that excited me the most. I like the fact that he’s so quiet and extremely intelligent, an anti-hero, but loyal, with his own code of conduct. There is an issue about the meeting between Diabolik and Eva Kant, but also one about his origins, where he tells who he is and where he comes from. We discover that he grew up on an island populated by outlaws and there is a moment when he meets a panther. A panther who terrifies everyone, but he doesn’t fear it and the panther spares him. Between them there is this long moment of silence and exchange. He reminded me of my first encounter as a child with wild animals, albeit in captivity, with the lion, the panther. I remember their eyes, their breathing, sounds I had never heard before, very loud, which frightened me and fascinated me at the same time.
The name of Diabolik is inextricably linked to that of Eva Kant.
They have a very special relationship, she is a very strong woman, Diabolik is nothing without her. And it’s nice that this relationship was born in the sixties from the pen of two women, the Giussani sisters, very active also politically and involved in the campaign in favor of divorce. The figure of Eva Kant is essential, and Diabolik falls madly in love with her. Among them there is love, friendship, complicity, sharing. They can be themselves only when they are together, while when they come out they must necessarily assume other identities. And they have this beautiful place, by the sea, to take refuge together.
You play an icon that survives decades and generations. Was it more the fear or the enthusiasm?
It was a very interesting challenge. I learned that this project was in Marco and Antonio Manetti’s hands, with whom I had wanted to work for some time and whom I follow from Zora la vampira. I was delighted to approach through an audition, putting myself to the test. The audition was a beautiful moment in which I understood what amount we would work on. I brought my ideas, the Manettis had theirs, but at the base there was a common line. Of course, interpreting an icon like Diabolik, who will soon turn 60, can be frightening, also because I don’t even resemble him, but it’s very stimulating to work on it. I like to approach a character with my own idea, collaborating closely with all the departments involved in the characterization.
I had a great time. I went long before in Bologna, I joined the big, wonderful Manettis family, I did some body work because Diabolik has to have a nice body, and then he jumps, fights and is athletically ready. Finding the right suit was also fun. Diabolik wears one made of materials that do not exist, it’s a sort of second skin colored in black. I studied the character from different points of view, comparing myself with others, doing tests. The preparation period was really nice.
Have you seen or re-watched Mario Bava’s Diabolik?
I saw some scenes, which I liked a lot, also because Bava felt really free. Diabolik in fact wears a leather jacket and jeans. I like that aesthetic, the way he moves and looks, but there was already the comic and I preferred to focus on that.
Diabolik is a thief who fights against banks and people who have made money illegally. Are we talking about social justice?
I wouldn’t go on these issues. Certainly he clashes with high society and with banks, but in reality if there is a jewel shortly after there will also be Diabolik. I have asked myself some questions about his dedication to theft and I have also given myself some answers, but I prefer to keep them to myself because it’s right for the public to come up with their own ideas.
And the work with Miriam Leone and Valerio Mastandrea?
I remember the first meetings, very funny, our readings with the Manettis in their office in Bologna. We were so excited to tell this story that we entered that world right away. Sharing the scene with them, seeing them build their characters, was a great experience. With Valerio it was very difficult to remain serious, we can’t look each other in the eyes without laughing, especially when he said “hands up!” And I “damn it!”. For some takes it took a while for us to stay serious. Also with Miriam there were many funny scenes, like the one in a rubber dinghy, in Trieste, while we were running at full speed on the sea, in the dark. A great fear and so cold! And then there are many wonderful roles, played by excellent actors, such as Claudia Gerini who you will see in a brilliant cameo. All together we have created this fantastic world.
What kind of directors were the Manettis?
They are very beautiful souls, honest people, passionate directors who love what they do and are very open to any kind of proposal. Films are made together and on the set there was a strong energy and a great spirit of sharing.
Just wanted to translate this interview for the non-italian’s fans ^^ (sorry for my English)
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