If you loved Filippo Scotti in It was the hand of God (and of course you saw…), wait until you see it in Spotty and me. The film in theaters from July 7 is as crazy as it is beautiful: understand, this is one of those rare stories that do not leave you indifferent and do not let go even when the lights turn on again in the hall and you leave. cinema. There are two main characters: Matteo, played by Scotty, and Eva, who has a face Michela De Rossi. Matteo is the lead animator: he works in the animation industry, but as soon as he leaves the office, he runs home to his dog. In fact, the dog does not exist. Or rather, he is, but he is Matteo: having finished the work, ours rolls into a giant tuton, similar to a dog, and behaves accordingly. He even has a huge kennel, lots of colored balls and an agility field. The disorder he suffers from is not fiction, but exists in the scientific literature, called Schematic Personality Disorder, and, unfortunately, does affect people. Often the reason for this is trauma, such as bereavement, as in the case of Matteo. Our man, however, feels that he needs help and therefore seeks it out as best he can, or by posting an ad for a dog sitter. Answered by Eva, an out-of-school student and, above all, an out-of-school student who suffers from occasional depression and panic attacks. Now, although this long introduction sounds rather abstruse, the director and screenwriter talk about the interweaving of these two fragile souls with gentle realism. Cosimo Gomez. The result is a delicate and suspenseful film that is credible beyond all expectations (even if the film doesn’t feel convincing in the first 10 minutes…) and confirms Scotty’s talent. Who managed to connect two films, like the main character, very different, but one more beautiful than the other: the first film is a masterpiece Paolo Sorrentino and then, precisely, the seer Scotty and me.

What was it like to be in the place of this unique character?

AT Spotty and me not only words, looks, silence, gestures matter. So the challenge was to be able to think like Matteo in order to give meaning to your thoughts. In fact, he is constantly on the run: he does not want to communicate with others. We worked a lot with the director on this issue: the preparation before filming was long. However, I could rely on a number of links such as movies Lars own girlfriend As well as Frank. In addition, I also created a playlist of songs to listen to to set the right mood, which is what I always do before I arrive on set.

photo courtesy

The film touches on the themes of depression and mental instability: two very common realities, even or especially among young people. May I ask you if you too, at least from time to time, have felt overwhelmed by life?

If I told you no, that would be nonsense! Now, apart from being depressed because that would be over the top, I have had moments of collapse. If I am an actor, it is also for this reason: acting supports me, because every time I fall out in the life of a character, I learn something from him, grow, develop.

Have you ever turned to a psychologist in a difficult moment?

If you mean the structured way of analysis, then no: I have never done it. But in the past I had to look for a comparison.

Spotty and me This is also a romantic comedy, but a peculiar one. Usually he saves her, or she saves herself. Here, on the other hand, they save each other, each gaining independence previously unknown to them. And glue is not physical attraction. Pure fantasy?

Without spoilers, Matteo and Eva never really see each other, except at the end of the movie. This suggests that appearance is not that important in a relationship. What really matters is someone’s “feeling”: if this happens, then this is true love.

And yet today it the thought prevailed that first you go to bed, then you get to know each other …

For me personally, sex comes later. First there is a meeting of souls.

Are we still able to love like this?

I would like to believe that this is still the case! And then my experience tells me that yes, it is possible. A few months ago, at 11 pm on a Wednesday, my dear friend called me and said he was in love. It was clear from his voice that this was the case. He told me: “Filippo, I don’t know what to do: I’m lost!” I replied: “No, you are not lost: you find yourself! Now the fun begins: live this moment strongly.”

courtesy photo / Nicole Manetti

Back in the film, Eva has to deal with her mom’s expectations. How do you deal with the very high expectations of all Italian cinema for you?

I do not deny that I feel some pressure: let’s just say that I am not completely calm. On the other hand, you feel a sense of responsibility already on the first day of my debut in the theater, imagine now … But I also understand that something wonderful happened to me. So I go ahead and if there are projects that deeply affect me, I will try to make them the best I can without worrying that someone will be disappointed with their choice. I am convinced that if you marry a project just to please others, it will never be as beautiful, perhaps less “trendy”, which touches you deeply. Our job is to convey emotion, and that’s what I should strive for.

In the meantime, you’ve fled to London…

Actually, I’m here on business. Seriously! However, unfortunately the project is still confidential and I cannot speak about it.

You said, “I’m not an actor.” So I ask you: what kind of actor do you aspire to be?

I don’t have a role model to be honest. For me, the only thing that matters is the interpretation of stories that I care about and have something to say. Paolo Sorrentino gave me the opportunity to know my limits and therefore better understand the roles they can and cannot play. So I just need to start learning while also trying to get some experience abroad.

courtesy photo / Nicole Manetti

Is it difficult for a young man to break into Italian cinema?

Per IS was the hand of God I didn’t have an audition, but I had a lot of auditions. I sweated over this role, but at the same time, I was lucky because I had the right physique and the right age. Other peers are still trying to prove themselves, but I’m always sorry when I hear: “You work and I don’t.” Things have to be looked for, and acting is a job where you have to be constantly on the move, both physically and emotionally. Don’t feel sorry for yourself thinking, “I never did a big movie, I finished” or “He recommended it.” Instead, you should stand up and say, “OK, I want to do this? Okay, then I’m working to get it done, taking my time.” Sorrentino himself repeated to me: “After you shoot an important film, you can’t go home, answer the phone and wait for a call.”

If you could choose which other Italian directors would you like to work with?

Marco Bellocchio, the D’Innocenzo brothers, Jonas Carpignano, Matteo Garrone… the list goes on! But at the same time, I have many friends who write and are still, let’s say, hidden. I would also like to work with them.

How has your life changed since success? It was the hand of God?

Nothing inside of me I’m always the same as before, it’s just that now I know a lot more people, I speak much better English, and I’m also regaining my French. I work to bring out the best in me.

Yes, but you’re from Naples: do you want me to believe that they didn’t throw you a crazy party?

Ah yes! Even now, when I go out, they shout to me: “Filippo, don’t separate!” (laughs, ed.)