IN CONVERSATION WITH ALBERTO ROSSI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Alberto Rossi is an actor with a solid background in both theater and film. He honed his acting skills through workshops and training with renowned directors and actors, including Silvio Muccino, Claudio Giovannesi, and Anna Foglietta. He is one of the main characters in the Netflix series ‘Il Leopardo,’ which was released on March 5.

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Alberto, you’re a pleasant discovery in ‘Il Leopardo.’ How did your journey into acting begin, and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?

I actually remember my first experience on stage almost as a trauma. It was the end-of-year school play, and it was a disaster. I was 5 years old and after falling asleep in my teacher’s lap, I went on stage but forgot all my lines, causing everyone to burst into laughter. At 10, my grandmother took me to a theater audition and I got the lead role. From there, I began to love the art of acting. Now, I’ve had the great fortune and perhaps a bit of skill to be part of this enormous project, ‘The Leopard’, where everything felt almost like a dream. It’s rare to see a crew of 400 people, thousands of extras, actors, and high-level craftsmen. The production companies Indiana Production and Moonage Pictures have put together a giant work of art, and I was able to be a part of it.

Besides on stage, you’ve also worked extensively in television. How does acting for television differ from film or stage, and do you have a preference?

I don’t have a preference. Television is certainly a powerful medium that reaches many people quickly because it’s present in almost every home, but in my opinion, the impact of cinema is unparalleled. The emotion that the big screen gives is so strong. We had the honor of watching the first episodes of ‘Il Leopardo’ in a unique location, the Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, which was set up as a cinema, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Seeing myself on that huge screen took my breath away.

How do you approach preparing for a role? Does your process differ depending on the medium - stage, television, film?

I usually try to read everything available about the role without judgment. I try to get to know the character, imagining what I don’t know about them, what their past is, what they like to do, or what their fears are, trying to enter their life and convey as much reality as possible.

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What can you tell us about your role as Paolo in ‘The Leopard’ on Netflix? What drew you to this character, and how did you bring him to life?

Paolo is the closest character I’ve ever portrayed. From the start, I felt a deep connection with him because I could sense the weight he carries, so I embraced the role, almost taking care of him. Although we’re centuries apart, family dynamics remain similar and relevant in many families. Paolo tries to show his family that he can manage the legacy he’s set to inherit, but he doesn’t quite know how. Unfortunately, as often happens, he reacts with aggression, hoping to be noticed and to demonstrate strength and independence. All he wanted was to protect his family from the threat he perceived in others. Deep down, he seeks his father, Prince Fabrizio’s respect, wonderfully portrayed by Kim Rossi Stuart, to whom I will always be grateful for his availability and generosity. Honestly, in life, I tend to be a bit of the soldier in my family, sometimes reacting impulsively to situations that scare me, much like Paolo. But thanks to my parents and therapy, I’ve learned that it’s not my role.

In your opinion, what makes ‘The Leopard’ unique compared to other shows? What do you think will resonate most with audiences?

I’m sure the audience will be fascinated and struck by the beauty of my homeland, Sicily. The skill of the directors, Tom Shankland, Laura Luchetti, and Giuseppe Capotondi, in their ability to transport viewers into that wonderful era, managing the entire set impeccably, is amazing. Everything in this series leaves you amazed, even sensing how those before us lived. You can almost smell and taste the past.

You’ve worked with a diverse cast in ‘The Leopard’. How did the chemistry between you and your fellow actors contribute to the success of the series?

It’s rare to find colleagues so dedicated to a project. Everyone knows ‘Il Gattopardo’ in Italy and beyond, and we were all apprehensive about tackling this project due to the importance of the novel. But we came together, forming an incredible team of not just the actors, but also all the technicians behind the scenes who endured extreme high temperatures, part of our beautiful Sicily and its intense summers. We actors tried to connect deeply, sometimes staying in our character before scenes to maintain the dynamics. For instance, Kim and I chose to keep a distance, mirroring Paolo and Fabrizio’s relationship, to add realism. I fondly recall a touching moment after an intense scene between us, where we shared a meal under a tree, almost reconciling after a father-son quarrel. It was so intense. With the rest of the cast, we made a point to bond, often gathering for lunches and dinners, almost as a ritual. I think of a beautiful sibling scene between me and Benedetta Porcaroli, who plays my sister Concetta, where we genuinely cried during the take, feeling a unique power. Unfortunately, as often happens, due to directorial choices, that scene wasn’t included, and Benedetta and I were disappointed because it was very moving. I must confess that I’ve admired Benedetta since I was young, so acting with her and forming a genuine friendship truly made me happy.

What role does improvisation play in your work, and how do you balance it with the script when you’re performing?

It’s fundamental. Often when acting with colleagues, improvisation is necessary, and it’s very enjoyable because sometimes it works even better than the written script.

Has there been a role or project that particularly challenged you as an actor, and why?

I would say that at the beginning, all roles are a bit of a challenge, but I think that’s the most exciting part of my job. The opportunity to become someone else has always felt almost magical to me, and it has certainly helped me gain more confidence in life.

As someone who’s worked in both the artistic and commercial sides of entertainment, what do you think the future holds for Italian cinema and television?

I hope that the world of entertainment continues to bring lessons to viewers, from the youngest to the oldest. For me, every story should leave us with something to reflect on and learn from the experiences of others, so I hope that more and more projects will help people.

What’s next for you in your career? Are there any upcoming projects that you’re particularly excited about?

These days, I am working nonstop on other cinemaprojects. I am trying to pursue what I love most, which is acting, but I don’t want that to be the only thing in my life. That’s why I also dedicate myself to other studies and passions. For example, I absolutely love nature, animals, and biology. Maybe one day I’ll be a biologist. I don’t like to set limits, so I do everything that makes me feel good.

shirt PAUL&SHARK

TEAM CREDITS:

photography LUCA SONCINI
styling GARIGLIANO
hair and makeup ALBERTO BOGGERI
publicist MPUNTO COMUNICAZIONE