Matera and the Cinema
Matera is undeniably photogenic—so much so that it’s equally telegenic, given how stunning it appears on TV and cinema screens. Once movie directors ‘discovered’ Matera, they were immediately captivated by its spectacular beauty. When Mel Gibson first saw Matera, he simply called it perfect. But even before Gibson, others had already noticed the unique charm of the city of the Sassi.
In 1949, Matera made its first cinematic appearance in the documentary ‘Nel mezzogiorno qualcosa è cambiato,’ directed by Carlo Lizzani. This film highlighted the post-World War II conditions in southern Italy.
Thanks to its rugged rock formations, primitive and archaic landscapes, clustered houses, and golden light, the love affair between Matera and cinema truly began in the 1950s. On screen, Matera perfectly reflects the essence of Southern Italy, becoming its ideal visual representation. Sometimes, due to the way the rock reflects the sunlight—a light that writer and director Pasolini described as “a true sun, a fiercely ancient sun”—Matera even evokes the Middle East. The city is like an open-air set that has inspired the creativity of many filmmakers.
Here are some of the most notable films shot against the stunning backdrop of Matera.
007 - No Time To Die, 2021
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
With: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz.
The twenty-fifth film in the James Bond saga—*No Time to Die*—was shot extensively in Matera. Filming took place over four weeks between August and September 2019, marking a significant event for the city. The production was a massive undertaking, leading to the closure of many streets in the old town. However, some tourists visiting Matera during that time were lucky enough to catch glimpses of the action, particularly the thrilling car-chasing scenes. The iconic Aston Martin sped through the narrow driveways of the Sassi, adding an extra layer of excitement to the city’s cinematic allure.
Mary Magdalene, 2018
Directed by Garth Davis
Cast: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tahar Rahim, Shira Haas
In *Mary Magdalene*, Rooney Mara delivers a powerful performance as Mary Magdalene, portraying her as a revolutionary figure—the woman who chooses to follow Jesus. Director Garth Davis chose to center the film on this compelling character, offering a fresh perspective on her story. Matera serves as the film’s magical and ancient backdrop, its timeless landscapes perfectly complementing the biblical narrative. The city’s unique architecture and historical ambiance create an evocative setting that enhances the film’s portrayal of ancient times, adding depth and authenticity to the story of Mary Magdalene.
Wonder Woman, 2017
Directed by Patty Jenkins
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, Connie Nielsen, Elena Anaya
*Wonder Woman* achieved massive success, becoming a blockbuster movie that captivated audiences worldwide. The film showcased the Sassi of Matera as the perfect setting for fantasy superhero films, revealing the city’s unique landscape in a new and imaginative light. The ancient, otherworldly backdrop of Matera added a distinct and compelling atmosphere to the film’s epic narrative. The movie’s success was also bolstered by its talented cast, with Gal Gadot leading the way as the iconic superhero, supported by strong performances from the entire ensemble. This film highlighted Matera’s versatility as a filming location, capable of bringing a fantastical world to life.
Ben Hur, 2016
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov
Cast: Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Morgan Freeman
This film is a modern adaptation of Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*. The story is well-known, largely due to the 1959 film version directed by William Wyler, which starred Charlton Heston and was honored with 11 Academy Awards. Timur Bekmambetov’s adaptation brings a fresh take on the classic tale, set against the timeless backdrop of Matera. The city’s ancient architecture and dramatic landscapes serve as the perfect setting for this epic story, blending history and fiction in a visually stunning way.
Italian Race, 2016
Directed by Matteo Rovere
Cast: Stefano Accorsi, Matilda De Angelis, Paolo Graziosi
*Italian Race* (*Veloce come il vento* in Italian) is a 2016 Italian sports-drama film written and directed by Matteo Rovere. The film is loosely based on the true story of rally racing driver Carlo Capone. It combines the adrenaline-fueled world of car racing with an emotional family drama, brought to life by powerful performances from the cast. Stefano Accorsi and Matilda De Angelis deliver standout performances that anchor the film, making it both thrilling and poignant. The movie offers a gritty, authentic look into the racing world, while also exploring the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters.
The Passion Of The Christ, 2003
Directed by Mel Gibson
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Monica Bellucci, Rosalinda Celentano, Sergio Rubini
*The Passion of the Christ* is undoubtedly one of the most famous movies in recent cinema history. This highly controversial film, directed by Mel Gibson, garnered significant attention and criticism for its extremely realistic and graphic depictions of violence. Despite the controversy, it was a massive box office success. The film is notable for being shot in the original languages of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, which added to its authenticity and impact. Matera, with its ancient and evocative landscapes, played a pivotal role in the film, transforming it into one of the most popular destinations for film tourism. The city’s portrayal in *The Passion of the Christ* has since drawn countless visitors, eager to experience the setting of this iconic movie.
The Star Maker, 1995
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Sergio Castellitto, Tiziana Lodato, Leopoldo Trieste, Leo Gullotta, Kristen Albano
*The Star Maker* (*L’Uomo delle Stelle*) received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, among other accolades. The movie tells the poignant story of a man who sells dreams of stardom to the impoverished inhabitants of southern Italy in the 1950s. Although the film is set in Sicily, many of its most evocative scenes were shot in the Sassi di Matera. The unique landscape of Matera adds depth and authenticity to the film, enhancing its portrayal of the hopes and hardships of the era.
King David, 1985
Directed by Bruce Beresford
Cast: Richard Gere, Edward Woodward, Alice Krige, Denis Quilley, Niall Buggy
*King David* is a 1985 American epic historical drama that chronicles the life of David, the second King of Israel. Directed by Bruce Beresford, produced by Martin Elfand, and written by Andrew Birkin, the film stars Richard Gere in the title role. Although the movie was not well-received upon its release, it remains notable for confirming Matera’s status as an exceptional setting for biblical-themed films. The city’s ancient architecture and rugged landscape provided an authentic and visually striking backdrop that added depth to the film’s historical narrative.
Christ Stopped at Eboli, 1979
Directed by Francesco Rosi
Cast: Gian Maria Volontè, Lea Massari, Alain Cuny, Irene Papas
Based on Carlo Levi’s 1945 book of the same name, *Christ Stopped at Eboli* (*Cristo si è fermato a Eboli*) tells the story of an anti-fascist intellectual who is exiled to a small town near Matera. The film was a success, capturing the peasant world that Levi observed with profound sensitivity. The movie not only brings the harsh realities of that time to life but also involves some local residents in minor roles, adding authenticity to its depiction. The protagonist, Gian Maria Volontè, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian actors of all time, and his powerful performance anchors the film. The film is a poignant exploration of isolation, culture, and the resilience of the human spirit, set against the backdrop of southern Italy’s stark landscape.
El árbol de Guernica, 1975
Directed by Fernando Arrabal
Cast: Mariangela Melato, Ron Farber, Cosimo Cinieri, Franco Ressel
Set during the Spanish Civil War, *The Tree of Guernica* uses its title as a reference to the iconic symbol of Basque liberties. The film is characterized by a dreamlike and surreal style, reflecting on significant issues such as rebellion and the nature of societal institutions. Arrabal’s unique approach blends striking visual imagery with profound thematic exploration, creating a film that challenges conventional storytelling while addressing the complexities of war and resistance.
The Gospel According to St.Matthew, 1964
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini
Cast: Enrique Irazoqui, Margherita Caruso, Susanna Pasolini, Marcello Morante
This film is a faithful adaptation of Matthew’s Gospel, covering events from the Annunciation of Mary to the resurrection of Jesus. For the filming, Pasolini chose not to use professional actors; instead, he involved some of his intellectual friends and cast local people as background actors. Pasolini’s decision to shoot the life of Jesus among the marginalized in Matera was highly significant. At the time, the Sassi of Matera were seen as one of the poorest and most neglected areas in Italy, often considered a place to be abandoned. By choosing this location, Pasolini highlighted the connection between the setting and the themes of poverty and social justice that are central to the Gospel, imbuing the film with an even deeper sense of authenticity and purpose.
Roaring Years, 1962
Directed by Luigi Zampa
Cast: Nino Manfredi, Gino Cervi, Gastone Moschin, Rosalia Maggio, Salvo Randone, Michèle Mercier
It is an italian comedy movie with great italian actors. It’s set in the 1930s, during the fascist period. The subject is inspired by the comedy named ‘The Government Inspector’ by Nikolaj Gogol. It is a fierce and amusing criticism of the mean man.
The She-Wolf, 1953
Directed by Alberto Lattuada
Cast: Kerima, Ettore Manni, Mary Britt
*The She-Wolf* is an Italian drama based on the famous novel by Giovanni Verga. While the original novel is set in nineteenth-century Sicily, the film transposes the story to Basilicata in the 1950s. The “she-wolf” is a mature, beautiful woman who entices men with her allure. The film tells a story of passion, misery, and jealousy, aligning with the themes of Italian neorealism. Its exploration of complex human emotions and societal issues reflects the stark realities of life, characteristic of the neorealist movement, while also providing a gripping narrative about the destructive power of desire.
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