Happy Valentines Day and happy birthday to one of Italy’s most prolific and talented actors working today, Valerio Mastandrea.
Born in Rome’s Garbatella neighborhood, at just 43 he’s appeared in over 5 dozen films and won David di Donatellos, Golden Globes, Nastri d’Argentos, and best actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in Gli Equilibristi.
Americans can get to know and love him in these movies that are readily available in the U.S.A.
Giulia Non Esce La Sera (Giulia Doesn’t Date At Night)
Giudo falls for a beautiful convict with a day pass played by Valeria Golino.
Il Comandante e La Cicogna (Garibaldi’s Lovers)
Rollicking, silly, good fun from Silvio Soldino.
And in DVD form:
Save this one, coming soon, ‘Viva La Libertà‘
Valerio plays a political advisor with a serious headache in Roberto Andò’s comedy, a sort of ‘Parent Trap’ for adults.
Paolo Virzì’s ‘La Prima Cosa Bella’
“Mom’s been ruining our life all her life. Maybe she’ll ruin yours too!”
And for those of you who can watch movies that have not been distributed in the U.S.A., please don’t miss:
Carlo Mazzacurati’s ‘La Sedia Della Felicita’
Valerio plays Dino, a tattoo artist who goes on a hilarious treasure hunt with Bruna, played by Isabella Ragonese.
I Love Italian Everything 