An intense and engaging cinematic adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi's opera, Rigoletto sheds light on the contradictions of a man marked by external deformity and internal pain.
Set in the decadent court of Mantua, the story revolves around the Duke, a daring and manipulative libertine, and Rigoletto, his jester with a disfigured face who hides a tormented soul beneath his mocking exterior. The narrative portrays the fragility of a father who, despite being surrounded by deception and cruelty, fights with all his strength to protect his daughter from an ill-fated destiny.
His love for the young and naive Gilda becomes the focal point of a drama that unfolds through double-dealings, betrayals, and revenge, building to an inevitable tragedy. The moral ambiguities of the court reveal a microcosm of power and corruption where individual freedom is crushed and deceit reigns supreme.
Rigoletto, a man haunted by hatred for those who mock him yet unable to suppress his compassion, embodies the conflict between brutality and humanity. His paternal love for Gilda, kept in the dark about the dangers surrounding her, intertwines with the ruthless actions of the Duke, who seduces and deceives without remorse.
The deep psychological insight into the characters makes their inner conflicts and intense emotions palpable, translating them into powerful actions and music. The visual representation emphasizes the contrast between the idyllic appearance of the court and Rigoletto's solitude, highlighting a sense of isolation and impending tragedy.
With delicacy and strength, in a dark yet vibrant atmosphere, Rigoletto presents a journey into the depths of the human soul, exploring universal themes such as power, revenge, love, and loss. A timeless work that, through cinema, renews the poignant force of a lyrical masterpiece.

Director: Carmine Gallone Story: from the opera of the same name by Giuseppe Verdi, with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on the drama Le Roi s'amuse by Victor Hugo Screenplay by Carmine Gallone, Pietro Badoglio Jr., Aldo De Benedetti, Corrado Pavolini Photography: Anchise Brizzi Editing: Otello Colangeli Music: Giuseppe Verdi Set design: Gastone Medin Costume design: Gino Sensani Performers: Tito Gobbi (Rigoletto), Lia Corelli - Lina Pagliughi (Gilda), Mario Filippeschi (Duke of Mantua), Marcella Govoni (Maddalena), Giulio Neri (Sparafucile), Anna Maria Canali (Giovanna), Ignazio Galla (Monterone), Flora Marino (The Countess of Ceprano), Cesare Danova (An Officer), Aristide Garbini (The Count of Ceprano), Aldo Grucci (Marullo), Gino Conti (Borsa), Piero Campolonghi (Cavaliere) Production: Lux Film Distribution: Lux Film Year: 1946 Running Time: 110’