Oh, where to start with the deep depths of reality that Real by Adele Tulli flings onto the screen! Let’s journey through this digital labyrinth together, shall we?
Forget the classic documentaries, as if you could forget a mugshot of your ex while scrolling through your phone! Tulli’s work skips the staid interviews and narrative voices that treat us like children with a bedtime story. Instead, she invites us to engage with the content like we’re rifling through an attic full of old photographs—some heartwarming, some awkward, and others that raise questions like, “Why did I have that haircut?”
A Social Film
Now let’s talk about the tangled mess of our love-hate relationship with digital devices. It’s like having a pet goldfish that you love but can’t help but poke at to see if it still acknowledges your existence. Tulli dives into the nuances of our digital lives: reels, feeds, confessional videos… We’re exposed to a buffet of personalities, letting their souls spill out as if they were at a therapy session, complete with an Instagram filter to make them all look fabulous! And oh boy, there’s that *follower depression* lurking like a bad smell in the corner of your bedroom at 3 AM when you realize your last post got three likes and two were your mom and dad. Just in case you were wondering, *like* doesn’t come with a hug. You know you’re lonely if even your own life can’t muster up a handful of thumbs…
Real: A Documentary in Which Everything is the Opposite of Everything
As we wade through this online sea, the “net” could either entangle us or make us feel like we’re wearing a superhero cape—chosen carefully, of course, from a trendy online store. But here’s the kicker: that cape might just be a jacket on a mannequin, and we might find ourselves asking if we’ve just ordered something that’ll lead to alienation and dependence instead. You’ve gotta ask yourself, “Am I shopping for comfort or just relying on online reviews to validate my existence?” I mean, is the person posting selfies in front of the Mona Lisa really enjoying art, or are they just one poorly timed selfie away from a breakdown?
And there’s our delightful alien comparing themselves to tourists in Venice—because when in Rome, or rather, when in Venice, why not compare human experience to vapid Instagram snapshots? You know, just to highlight how shallow we can sometimes be.
A Poetic and Visionary Film
Tulli weaves a beautiful tapestry that disrupts the border between reality and fiction—like what happens when you agree to a Netflix documentary at 2 AM only to spiral into binge-watching a series about cat detectives in outer space. The film doesn’t judge or preach; it simply shows us what’s happening, like a curious friend documenting that one mate who can’t stop making TikToks in the background at a party. And let’s not forget the music of Andrea Kochper, whose sounds feel like they could either comfort you or send you spiraling into a tech-induced existential crisis.
Oh, the cinematography! Hats off to Clarissa Capellani and Francesca Zonars for capturing the essence of our bizarre modernity. They make our goofiest angles and reflections soar! Like a GoPro that’s had one too many espresso shots, the visuals are so hyper-real that you can practically hear the ‘likes’ pouring in from the digital ether while simultaneously feeling the weight of one’s existence.
In the end, we’re all entangled in a universal data center, an online world that keeps us tethered but often closes in like those squatters you never asked to move in. And this leads to one lingering question: If it excites us, then does that make it real? Or are we just beautifully constructed avatars, fighting for attention while peeking through the shimmering pixels of the digital curtain? Now, that’s some food for thought, mixed with a side of witty self-reflection!
Barbara Frigerio will probably have us all pondering our social media habits while silently questioning our next TikTok dance. But until then, let’s keep scrolling and hoping for more likes!
So, gather ‘round, grab your popcorn, and don’t forget your existential dread—it’s time for *Real*!
Forget the conventional documentaries typically showcased in cinemas or on television, with their predictable interviews, their relentless focus on protagonists, and the rigid narrative trajectories they often follow. Leave behind the ethical stances that directors gravitate towards, the sermons delivered with conviction, and the cautionary tales crafted to guide viewer understanding. Most importantly, dismiss those narrative voices that intrude to lead us like children, treating us as though we cannot engage with the material independently. As the director herself, Adele Tulli, articulates, her latest film, titled Real—set to grace theaters from November 14th in collaboration with Light Cinecittà—does not merely skim the surface of reality but ventures disturbingly close to its very edges, exploring the intricate dynamics between humanity and technology, and between the tangible world and the expansive realm of virtual reality.
A social film
Adele Tulli expertly explores the complex and constantly shifting relationship we maintain with our digital devices. Through her documentary lens, she shares snippets of real-life experiences, illuminating the lives of individuals rather than mere characters, allowing them to tell their own stories. This narrative unfolds through diverse formats—whether it’s a short video reel, an Instagram feed, a social media “confessional,” or an impromptu meeting in the metaverse. It is within the digital space that these lives come to light, portraying their authentic “realities” where they experience a sense of freedom, even as they grapple with the loneliness of “follower” depression—a phenomenon that ensnares individuals in their bedrooms, surrounded by superficial connections and an abundance of likes.
Real: a documentary in which everything is the opposite of everything
In this digital age, the “net” offers paradoxical possibilities; instead of entrapping individuals, it can, in fact, metamorphose the marginalized into heroes. Yet, this transformation often comes at a steep cost, leading to feelings of alienation and a dependence on digital validation. Tulli’s documentary delves into this poignant reality by visiting a rehabilitation center for gamers, twitchers, and tiktokers, depicted with a striking cinematic realism that contrasts intriguingly with the vibrant chaos of the metaverse. For instance, a segment in the film set against the backdrop of Venezia showcases an “alien” character juxtaposed with tourists caught up in the act of taking selfies, embodying the fragmented essence of the film.
The assembly of Real is masterfully crafted by Ilaria Fraioli, returning a contemporary existential mosaic that feels like a never-ending narrative—a painful reminder that a true conclusion is rarely as satisfying as virtual enjoyment may appear. The film touches on the nature of avatars within the metaverse, where traditional concepts of gender dissolve and love evolves into a fluid construct, echoing notions of the holy spirit. This thematic richness could offer a significant reflection for those with rigid beliefs, highlighting the core tenet of their faith which relies on the acceptance of absence of defined identity. The documentary revels in ambiguity, often employing ellipses, commas, and parentheses rather than definitive punctuation, creating a narrative flow that prompts curiosity and introspection.
A poetic and visionary film that unites various contemporary languages
In Real, the boundary separating the real from the unreal, and emotion from “fiction,” is blurred to a remarkable degree. Yet, Tulli refrains from passing judgment, choosing instead to simply present the unfolding reality enhanced by the unsettling soundscapes and captivating music of Andrea Kochper. The film’s visuals range from traditional and digital forms to strikingly altered perspectives from fish-eye lenses, imaginative wide angles, and even inverted drone footage.
Superlative hyper-realism shines through the impressive cinematography crafted by Clarissa Capellani and Francesca Zonars. The film’s direction, narrative structure, and editing create seamless transitions from internal to external perspectives, placing viewers in the shoes of those who are both observing and experiencing, whether they are cam girls, online meditation guides, inhabitants of a Korean smart city, or Asian influencer delivery individuals. The workers in data centers and crew on underwater cable ships coexist alongside the very creatures of the sea, all linked by the same digital conduits that shape our modern existence. Ultimately, the film suggests that we are all participants within a vast data center—a space that consumes, liberates, connects, elevates, and can even cause us pain and joy. But in this interconnectedness, one poignant question lingers—if it excites us, can we still deem it real?
Barbara Frigerio
Artribune is also on Whatsapp. That’s enough click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated
What themes related to digital devices and loneliness are explored in *Real*?
**Interview with Adele Tulli, Director of *Real***
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Adele! Your documentary *Real* has been described as a thought-provoking exploration of our complex relationship with digital devices. Can you tell us what inspired you to take on this project?
**Adele Tulli:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from observing how intertwined our lives have become with technology. I realized that while these devices offer us connection, they also foster profound feelings of loneliness and alienation. I wanted to evoke that duality in *Real*, allowing viewers to reflect on their digital existences without being condescended to.
**Interviewer:** You steer clear of traditional documentary formats, opting for a more immersive experience. How did you decide on this approach?
**Adele Tulli:** I wanted to break away from the conventional narrative structures that treat audiences like children. The goal was to invite viewers to engage with the content on a deeper level, much like rummaging through an attic filled with memories. I wanted them to stumble upon moments that resonate, inspire self-reflection, and perhaps even serve as a catalyst for a conversation about the implications of our online lives.
**Interviewer:** One of the themes you explore is “follower depression” amidst the phenomenon of social media. How important was it to highlight this in your film?
**Adele Tulli:** It was crucial! I think it encapsulates a pervasive issue many face today—the disparity between online validation and real-life fulfillment. By addressing this, I aimed to foster empathy for those trapped in the cycle of seeking likes and approval while feeling disconnect from their true selves. Understanding that loneliness often exists in the digital crowd is vital.
**Interviewer:** The film seems to juxtapose reality and fiction quite cleverly. Can you talk about the use of cinematic realism in this context?
**Adele Tulli:** I’m thrilled you caught that! The aesthetic of the film serves to reflect the bizarre nature of our modern existence. By blending hyper-realistic imagery with fictional elements, we are reminded that our digital personas often mask deeper truths. It’s about challenging the viewer to discern what’s real in a world filled with curated snapshots and facades.
**Interviewer:** The representation of avatars and fluid identities in the metaverse is another intriguing aspect of *Real*. What messages are you hoping to convey through this?
**Adele Tulli:** I seek to provoke thoughts about identity and belonging. In the digital realm, traditional constructs can be redefined, which can be liberating but also confusing. By showcasing this fluidity, I aim to open up discussions about our identities and encourage acceptance of varying experiences. It’s about understanding that we can exist beyond the rigid frames of society.
**Interviewer:** As we approach the release on November 14th, what emotions do you hope viewers will take away from *Real*?
**Adele Tulli:** I hope audiences leave with a mixture of emotions—a sense of connection and perhaps a touch of discomfort. I want them to reflect on their digital habits and rethink what ”real” means in their lives. Ultimately, if *Real* inspires just one person to reevaluate their relationship with their devices, then I will feel accomplished.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Adele! Your insights are truly enlightening, and we can’t wait to see how *Real* unfolds for audiences.
**Adele Tulli:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to experience the film and embark on this reflective journey with us.
