Released in 1993, Dear Diary (Caro Diario) is one of Nanni Moretti’s most iconic films, celebrated for its unique storytelling, personal insights, and distinctive humor. This semi-autobiographical movie, divided into three chapters, is a heartfelt exploration of life, art, and human connection through Moretti’s lens as both the protagonist and director. Combining introspection with sharp wit, Caro Diario captures the essence of contemporary Italy, making it a timeless classic.
Genre: Comedy-Documentary-Drama
Cast: Nanni Moretti, Renato Carpentieri, Silvia Nono, Jennifer Beals
Directed by: Nanni moretti
Dear Diary: plot
The film is divided into three chapters:
In Vespa (On my Vespa)
In this chapter, Moretti takes viewers on a Vespa ride through Rome, offering a whimsical and reflective tour of the city. As he explores different neighborhoods, he comments on architecture, urban landscapes, and Italian society with a mix of humor and melancholy. His monologues, accompanied by a dynamic soundtrack, offer insight into his character while celebrating Rome’s charm. The journey is filled with humorous encounters, including a memorable meeting with Jennifer Beals, the star of Flashdance and the woman of Moretti’s dreams ever since the film sparked his passion for dance
Isole (Islands):
Moretti ventures to the Aeolian Islands, near Sicily, searching for peace and solitude. However, his search for peace is disrupted by the increasing number of tourists. This chapter humorously critiques modern life and cultural trends, particularly the idea of escaping urban chaos for tranquility. His interactions with locals and other travelers reveal deeper reflections on human relationships and personal fulfillment
Medici (Doctors):
The final chapter of Dear Diary delves into Moretti’s struggle with a persistent skin rash, chronicling his frustrating journey through Italy’s healthcare system. With a simple, straightforward tone and without rhetoric, he tells the essential chronicle of a year filled with misdiagnoses, before finally being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. True to the film’s lighthearted tone, Moretti avoids melodrama, instead offering a sharp critique of the medical profession’s failure to truly listen to patients. The chapter concludes with a bitterly ironic toast “to health,” surrounded by unused medications
Dear Diary: movie locations
Caro Diario is as much a visual journey as it is an emotional one, showcasing diverse Italian landscapes that serve as a backdrop to Moretti’s storytelling:
Rome: The bustling streets of Rome come alive in the first chapter, particularly the Garbatella district and Gianicolo. Moretti’s Vespa ride offers viewers a candid view of both iconic landmarks and hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Aeolian Islands: The second chapter captures the stunning beauty of the Aeolian Islands: Panarea, Lipari, Salina, Alicudi and Stromboli. The tranquil scenery contrasts with Moretti’s humorous struggles to find solitude, adding a layer of irony to the idyllic setting.
Dear Diary: for learning Italian
Caro Diario is an excellent film for anyone looking to learn Italian, thanks to its conversational tone and relatable vocabulary. Moretti’s narration, delivered in a clear and deliberate manner, makes it accessible to intermediate and advanced Italian learners. Here are some examples:
-“In realtà il mio sogno è sempre stato quello di saper ballare bene… Flashdance si chiamava, quel film che mi ha cambiato definitivamente la vita. Era un film solo sul ballo. Saper ballare… e invece alla fine mi riduco sempre a guardare… che è anche bello però… è tutta un’altra cosa.”
-“Actually, my dream has always been to know how to dance well… Flashdance was the name of the movie that completely changed my life. It was a movie just about dancing. Knowing how to dance… and yet, in the end, I always just end up watching… which is nice too, but… it’s a completely different thing.”
-“…sono uno splendido quarantenne!”
-“…I’m a fabulous forty-year-old!”
-“Una cosa però l’ho imparata da tutta questa vicenda. No, anzi: due. La prima è che i medici sanno parlare, però non sanno ascoltare; e ora sono circondato da tutte le medicine inutili che ho preso nel corso di un anno. La seconda cosa che ho imparato è che la mattina, prima della colazione, fa bene bere un bicchier d’acqua.”
– “One thing, however, I’ve learned from this whole event. No, actually, two things. The first is that doctors know how to talk, but they don’t know how to listen; and now I’m surrounded by all the useless medications I took over the course of a year. The second thing I’ve learned is that in the morning, before breakfast, it’s good to drink a glass of water.”
Below you will find a link to a scene from the film.
Sit back, relax, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!
