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Gloria (2024) by Margherita Vicario: A Pop-Fueled Period Rebellion

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jul 28
  • 7 min read

Short Summary: Muting the Mute, Unleashing the Music Gloria! is a vibrant 2024 Italian musical drama, the directorial debut of singer and actress Margherita Vicario. Set at the turn of the 19th century in a Venetian convent boarding school that doubles as an orphanage and conservatory, the film introduces Teresa, a seemingly mute scullery maid with an extraordinary visionary gift for music. As the convent prepares for a concert for a visiting Pope, Teresa discovers a hidden piano. With a small group of rebellious female musicians, she secretly creates a new, anachronistic, and revolutionary "pop" music, defying the rigid classical traditions and celebrating the untold stories of forgotten female composers throughout history.

Detailed Summary: Harmony in Defiance

  • The Sant'Ignazio Institute: At the dawn of 1800, the Sant'Ignazio Institute in Venice serves as a home, school, and musical conservatory for girls. Life is strictly regimented, particularly under the rigid Chapel Master, Perlina.

  • Teresa, "The Mute": Teresa, a young maid, is known as "the Mute" because she rarely speaks. However, she possesses a unique talent: she hears music in the sounds of daily life and can spontaneously create new, contemporary melodies in her mind.

  • A Hidden Discovery: While preparing for a grand concert to honor a visiting Pope Pius VII, Teresa stumbles upon a brand-new, unused piano hidden in the convent's storage room. This discovery allows her to finally translate the vibrant music in her head into reality.

  • A Secret Collective: Drawn by Teresa's captivating melodies, a small group of musically gifted girls from the convent's orchestra—Lucia (first violin), Prudenza, Bettina, and Marietta—discover her secret. Initially rivalrous, they soon form a tight-knit, rebellious group, collaborating to compose and perform "pop" music that is far ahead of their time.

  • Challenging the Old Order: Their hidden musical creativity becomes an act of defiance against the dusty, patriarchal musical establishment represented by Perlina. The film celebrates female imagination, inventiveness, and talent, highlighting the historical erasure of women composers.

Plot summary: The Pope's Unexpected Soundtrack

  • Life in the Convent: Teresa silently observes the daily routines and sounds of the Sant'Ignazio Institute, mentally transforming them into a symphony. She is an overlooked scullery maid, but her inner world is rich with musical vision.

  • Concert Preparations: The convent is abuzz with preparations for a concert to be conducted by the pompous Chapel Master Perlina, intended to impress the visiting Pope Pius VII. Perlina struggles to compose an original piece worthy of the occasion.

  • The Found Piano: Teresa discovers a hidden piano, unlocking her ability to physically express the music she hears. She practices in secret, experimenting with sounds that are strikingly modern.

  • The Secret Sessions: Lucia and her friends, members of Perlina's orchestra, are drawn to the warehouse by Teresa's unusual melodies. They are captivated by her talent and the revolutionary nature of her compositions.

  • A Sisterhood of Sound: The girls form a clandestine group, sharing their musical ideas and defying the strict rules of the institute. Their bond strengthens as they collectively create a new kind of music that incorporates contemporary rhythms and harmonies.

  • Rebellion and Empowerment: As the concert approaches, the girls' hidden musical endeavors escalate, leading to moments of tension and comedic defiance against the male authority figures. The film culminates in their unexpected opportunity to share their innovative music, showcasing the power of female solidarity and artistic expression to challenge the status quo.

Director's Vision: Timeless Music, Period Setting

  • Margherita Vicario, in her directorial debut, aimed to create a fictional story rooted in a precise 18th-century historical context, while simultaneously infusing it with "fantastic flashes" and "musical leaps in time" through the protagonists' inner world and creations.

  • Her goal was to showcase the "imagination, inventiveness and talent of all women composers who, like dried flowers, have remained hidden in the pages of history."

  • Vicario meticulously blended philological research with creative license, drawing inspiration from historical figures like piano maker Johan Stein and even a real orphaned composer, Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen, whose works have survived.

  • She placed great emphasis on the verisimilitude of the period details (costumes, set design, photography) to establish an authentic historical backdrop, from which the "most 'fantastic' aspect" of the music could then emerge.

  • The director focused on preparing the actresses, not just to form a cohesive group but also to convincingly portray musicians, with months of coaching on instruments.

  • Vicario's background as a pop singer-songwriter heavily influenced the film's unique soundtrack, which blends classical and contemporary elements. She also focused on rhythmic research and choreographing sequences like theatrical scenes to achieve a fluid and dynamic visual style.

Themes: Suppressed Genius, Female Solidarity, and Artistic Rebellion

  • The Erased Voices of Women: A central theme is the historical silencing and erasure of female artists, particularly composers, within patriarchal systems. The film is an ode to these forgotten women.

  • Artistic Freedom vs. Conformity: It explores the tension between creative innovation and the rigid adherence to established traditions, showcasing the rebellious spirit of those who dare to forge new paths.

  • The Power of Music: Music is depicted not just as an art form but as a liberating force, a means of expression, rebellion, and connection that transcends societal constraints and even time.

  • Sisterhood and Empowerment: The bond formed between Teresa and the other girls highlights the strength found in female solidarity and collective defiance against oppressive structures.

  • Finding Voice: Teresa's journey, from being "the Mute" to becoming a visionary composer, symbolizes the act of finding one's true voice and asserting one's identity against all odds.

Key success factors: Innovative Musicality and Heartfelt Storytelling

  • Unique Concept: The film's anachronistic blend of 18th-century setting with modern "pop" music is highly original and engaging, setting it apart from typical period dramas.

  • Strong Directorial Debut: Margherita Vicario's confident and vibrant direction, particularly in choreographing musical sequences and eliciting authentic performances, has been widely praised.

  • Empowering Feminist Message: The film's celebration of female creativity and its critique of historical gender inequality resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.

  • Compelling Lead Performance: Galatéa Bellugi's portrayal of Teresa, a character who largely communicates through her music, is noted as a nuanced and captivating performance.

  • Vibrant Cinematography and Production Design: The visual richness of the film, with its careful attention to period detail and effective use of color, creates an immersive experience.

  • Acclaimed Soundtrack: Vicario's own musical talent, combined with Davide Pavanello, delivers a score that is both historically evocative and thrillingly modern.

Awards and Nominations: Berlinale Premiere and International Acclaim Gloria! had its world premiere in the Main Competition at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 21, 2024, where it was Nominated for the prestigious Golden Bear and the GWFF Best First Feature Award. It went on to Win the Grand Jury Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) 2024. Domestically, it won the Globo d'oro for Best Debut Film in July 2024. It also received multiple Nastro d'Argento Nominations (Italy's film critics' awards) for Best New Director (Margherita Vicario), Best Costumes, and Won for Best Score (Margherita Vicario, Davide Pavanello). The film has also been nominated for several David di Donatello awards.

Critics Reception: A Joyous, Rebellious Ode to Female Creativity

  • Cineuropa: Hailed it as a "fresh, inspiring debut film" that is a "joyous ode to the innumerable female composers erased by history." The review praised Vicario's confidence as a filmmaker and the film's "big, big heart," particularly highlighting the electrifying sequence where Teresa hears music in daily labor.

  • MUBI Notebook: Described the film as having a "very pop approach" to its themes and setting, calling it "a firecracker." It noted the film's "sincere belief in music as a form of social emancipation" and its "liberating" tone.

  • The Film Verdict: Praised the film as a "feel-good ode to female creativity" and a "joyful celebration of talent and solidarity." While acknowledging a somewhat formulaic script, critics found the film's energy and message to be infectious.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics have overwhelmingly embraced Gloria! as a confident, joyous, and inspiring directorial debut. Its unique blend of historical setting with contemporary musical sensibilities, coupled with its empowering feminist message about reclaiming the legacy of forgotten female composers, resonated strongly. While some noted minor structural conventionalities, the film's infectious energy, strong performances, and innovative soundtrack were widely celebrated.

Reviews: Energetic, Heartfelt, and Glorious

  • RMITV: Described it as a "lively feature that sings with heartfelt moments and comedic witticisms alike, pulling audiences in for a story that is nothing short of glorious." It praised the "outstanding" soundtrack blending orchestral sounds with modern arrangements and the authentic performances of the cast.

  • Upside Adelaide: Called it a "visually stunning, musically rich, and emotionally resonant film that firmly establishes Margherita Vicario as a director to watch." It highlighted the "exhilarating" musical sequences and the film's success in celebrating "the forgotten women of history."

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews consistently depict Gloria! as an energetic, heartfelt, and visually rich film. Its blend of historical drama with a modern musical spirit, its strong performances (especially Galatéa Bellugi), and its empowering message about female artistic rebellion are frequently cited as its most compelling aspects, often leading to overwhelmingly positive responses.

Why to watch this movie: A Joyful and Empowering Musical Journey

  • Unique Musical Experience: If you love movies that blend classical and contemporary music in an innovative way, Gloria! offers a refreshing and surprising soundtrack.

  • Empowering Female Story: For anyone interested in stories of female empowerment, artistic rebellion, and forgotten historical figures, this film is a vibrant and inspiring watch.

  • Strong Directorial Debut: See the impressive first feature film from Margherita Vicario, an artist with a clear vision and a unique voice.

  • Visually Captivating: The film's beautiful cinematography and rich period details make for a visually engaging experience.

  • Joyful and Uplifting: Despite its historical setting and themes of suppression, the film radiates a contagious energy and ultimately leaves you with a feeling of joy and hope.

What Movie Trend film is following: Period Musical Dramas with a Modern Twist Gloria! is following the trend of period musical dramas that infuse historical settings with a modern sensibility or anachronistic elements. This trend aims to make historical stories more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences, often using music to bridge the gap between past and present. It also aligns with the broader trend of reclaiming and celebrating marginalized historical figures, particularly women, through film.

What Big Social Trend is following: Feminist Reclamation of History and Women's Empowerment The film deeply taps into the social trend of feminist reclamation of history and the ongoing movement for women's empowerment. By spotlighting the untold stories of female composers and depicting a group of young women defying patriarchal norms through their art, Gloria! resonates with contemporary calls to re-examine historical narratives, celebrate forgotten female contributions, and champion women's voices in all fields, especially the arts.

Final Verdict: A Glorious Celebration of Untamed Talent Gloria! is a glorious, effervescent, and deeply moving film that marks an exceptional directorial debut for Margherita Vicario. It's a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for rebellion and empowerment, celebrating the unyielding spirit of female creativity that, despite historical suppression, finds a way to sing. With its unique anachronistic charm, compelling performances, and uplifting message, Gloria! is a must-watch for anyone seeking a vibrant, intelligent, and truly joyful cinematic experience. It's a film that demands to be heard and seen.


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