Vincenzo Alfieri: Italy's Boy Wonder

Although he may be young, actor and director Vincenzo Alfieri is hardly the new kid on the block. Born in Salerno, Italy in 1986, he has dreamt of being an actor ever since he was just five, and has steadily built an impressive resume that includes film, television and theater.  

Recently, he starred in “Niente Puo’ Fermarci” and the television Series, “I Segreti Di Borgo Larici.” But it is his directorial debut, the miniseries, Forse Sono Io, which he holds closest to his heart. It was through this latest endeavor that this Italian boy, who has always been in love with American cinema, was able to have his childhood dreams come true.   I recently caught up with Vincenzo as he talked about fashion, work, and a subject that mystifies us all- l’amore.

Gaya Lynn:  With a busy career that includes acting, directing, and screenwriting,  what do you do in order to relax?

Vincenzo Alfieri: I relax by either by playing the guitar or by writing. I like to go out and eat sushi too.

GL: I recently spoke to the actress, Serena Iansiti, about the pressure women face in the entertainment industry to look young and beautiful. Is it like that for men?   

VA: No, it’s not like that. But I do care about staying in shape. I eat well and participate in a lot of sports.

GL: You live in a country with some of the greatest fashion designers in the world. What do you personally think about Italian moda?

VA: I think that we are still number one in terms of fashion. I love Brioni. If I could wear one of his suits to an important event, I’d be the happiest guy in the world.

GL: What kind of fashion trends are hot right now with Italian men especially in your field?

VA: It varies…Mainly athletic wear like Nike, Adidas…

GL:In the past, fashion has held an important role in film. There was Armani in American Gigolo, Marcello Mastroianni in Fellini films. In your film, the cast dresses casually, as if fashion has taken a back seat. Do you feel as though fashion is somewhat less pertinent in film today? Perhaps, it’s more important to highlight characters and themes instead.

VA Actually, the characters in my films wear outfits that were visualized ahead of time; specific looks that reflect the characters’ personality and identity.  Fashion is very important and in fact, in the sequel, the cast will be dressed by major fashion brands.

GL: You have accomplished so much at such a young age. Despite your success, you seem still so grounded. Here in the states, young stars often struggle and go down dark paths. Is it like that in Italy?

VA: Being a success in America means being successful in the entire world. In the states there exists a “Star” system; here we don’t have that. Being famous at such a young age can be a risk especially without the support of loved ones. Becoming so famous…I think I think it psychologically can be harmful if it happens too quickly, and without anyone there to guide or advise you.

GL: Let’s talk about your telefilm, Forse Sono Io.

VA: Forse Sono Io was like having a child, but with me being both the mother and father. I wrote, directed and starred in it because there were things I needed to tell in my own way….Many think that the story is about me. But in reality, I and the main character, Mike, are different. He is my alter ego….Forse Sono Io is more a vision of things that surround me, one that is over the top and comical. The sequel (Forse Sono Io 2) is more about me and what happened in the past…. The sequel will be different than the first. I enjoy experimenting with different styles…so there is also fantasy, drama and action.

GL: The main gist of this series seems to be about finding love. Your character, Mike Miele, is always searching for it. What do you personally think about love?

VA: I believe very few people today know how to truly love. Love is about selflessness and altruism while most are egocentric. We live in a society where we are taught that everything can be replaced. For example, if I don’t like my cell phone. I’ll buy any new one. If you have a girl who doesn’t satisfy you, you hear “do you know how many others you’ll find.” I know this seems extreme, but I am sorry to see that very few people really want to know someone and this applies also to friendship.

GL: With Elisabetta Pellini’s character, Simona, to another gal who has two degrees, the female characters in your series are strong and feisty. The male figures, however, seem lost, while your own character struggles to utter an “I love you.” Do you feel the role of the young male in Italy is changing?  

VA: Often, I speak to my female friends and I hear them say that they would love to meet a guy who knows how to conquer them while hoping they were not so immature. On the other hand, when I talk with my guy friends, they wish women knew how to be women, and didn’t always try to change their boyfriends…

GL: I saw in your teleseries, there are a lot of references to America. Between Elvis, the  I love NY t-shirt, and seeing Star Wars on the tv. How come?  Would you like to make a film in the states?

VA: Magari! I wish!  I always thought that Italy and America, in different ways, were the birthplaces of cinema. I was raised with the idea that a film made by an Italian in America would be great. Look at, for example, Gabriele Muccino with La Ricerca della Felicita’.

GL: You knew from the age of five that you wanted to become an actor, and you went after your dreams despite not having the full support of your parents.

VA: In a way, not having the support of my family in the beginning helped me. I always have been attracted to challenges, and when I truly believe in something, no one or rather nothing will stop me from reaching what I want. I have fought a lot, and I will continue to fight for my dreams….

GL: What advice would you give to young, aspiring talent such as yourself in this field?

VA: To do this type of work, one needs a lot of determination, almost a crazed passion, strong nerves and tough skin. I’ve always been a dreamer… while keeping my feet to the ground. I try to remember the reality of things and to avoid letting my dreams consume me or fall to the wayside. I try to transform them into reality.

For more, go to www.vincenzoalfieri.it  and www.forsesonoio.it (Subtitles available)

Special thanks to Katya Marletta, press agent.

After living in Italy, director of fashion, Gaya now resides in California. www.msgaya.com