Ernesto (film)

Ernesto is a 1979 film directed by Salvatore Samperi and starring Martin Halm. The movie is loosely based on Umberto Saba's novel of the same name.

Ernesto
Directed bySalvatore Samperi
Produced byJose Frade
Michael Fengler
Written byUmberto Saba (book)
Barbara Alberti
Amadeo Paganini
StarringMartin Halm
Michele Placido
Virna Lisi
Music byCarmelo Bernaola
CinematographyCamillo Bazzoni
Release date
1979
Running time
98 minutes
CountryItaly
Spain
Germany
LanguageItalian

Plot

In Trieste, Austria-Hungary (Italy after the end of World War I) in 1911, Ernesto (Martin Halm) is a 17-year-old boy who lives with his widowed mother in the home of his violin-loving Jewish uncle and works in an office at a routine job. He espouses socialist views largely to cause his uncle distress. He discovers his homosexuality when he meets a stableboy (Michele Placido), who is not identified by name. They become infatuated with each other and have an intense sexual relationship, which develops against a realistic depiction of the social setting. Ernesto loses his job when his sexual behavior is discovered and reveals to his mother his same-sex relationship, which he continues to view as shameful. He is dishonest with his same-sex partner, and their relationship ends when Ernesto begins to visit a prostitute for sex.

Ernesto takes violin lessons where he meets 15-year-old Rachel and her twin brother Emilio, both depicted by the same actor (Lara Wendel). Both of the twins fall in love with Ernesto, who marries the sister, resolving his problems with his mother and uncle as well as his former employer. Having outgrown his years of spontaneity and exploration, Ernesto denies his sexual past when he encounters his first lover and refuses to recognize him.[1]

Cast

Awards

The film was entered into the 29th Berlin International Film Festival, where Michele Placido won the Silver Bear for Best Actor.[2]

References
  1. Lupi, Giordano (5 November 2014). "Ernesto (Film, 1978)". Futuro Europa (in Italian). Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
  2. "Berlinale 1978: Prize Winners". Berlinale. Retrieved 14 August 2010.


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