Legendary Italian director Marco Bellocchi’s latest offering features a young boy coming to grips with his mother’s death. Based on a bestselling novel by Massimo Gramellini.
Turin, 1969. Nine-year-old Massimo’s idyllic childhood is shattered by the mysterious death of his mother. The young boy refuses to accept this brutal loss, even if the priest says she is now in heaven. Years later, in the 90s, adult Massimo has become an accomplished journalist. After reporting on the war in Sarajevo, he begins to suffer from panic attacks. As he prepares to sell his parents’ apartment, Massimo is forced to relive his traumatic past. Compassionate doctor Elisa could help tormented Massimo open up and confront his childhood wounds.
"The film Sweet Dreams was born from Massimo Gramellini‘s novel Fai Bei Sogni, which was one of Italy‘s biggest publishing successes of recent years (and much deserved because of the details and emotions that the book describes). But I was not won over to make this film simply because it was a best-seller. It was because of the book‘s themes, the dramatic situations... A mother‘s death. Losing a mother while still a child. Nine-year-old Massimo’s pain over losing his beloved mother – love felt twice as strong because the boy feels it is reciprocated, absolute and exclusive." (Marco Bellocchio)
Marco Bellocchio
Born in 1939 in Piacenza, Italy. He studied film direction in Rome and London. He embarked on his professional path in the 1960s as documentary and short film director. He garnered international acclaim already with his feature debut, Fist in His Pocket, and subsequently won several prestigious awards. Having made over twenty movies, Bellochio is one of the most prolific filmmakers of his generation.