A newly released trailer for Alice Rohrwacher’s Cannes winner “Happy as Lazzaro” begins and ends with the titular character’s name being whispered. This odd intro and book-end add to the film’s slightly otherworldly quality. Set in rural Italy, the drama with fantastical elements tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a peasant and a nobleman.
Kind-hearted Lazzaro (newcomer Adriano Tardiolo) is “so good that he is often mistaken for simple-minded,” according to the film’s official synopsis. He looks mesmerized by every place and person he encounters. The young man’s life changes when nobleman Tancredi (musician Luca Chikovani) asks for his help in orchestrating his own kidnapping. Their friendship is so powerful that it transports Lazzaro through time.
Time-traveling isn’t addressed in the spot, but we do hear a rather depressing take on humanity from an unidentified woman: “Human beings are like animals,” she says. “Set them free and they realize they are slaves.”
Rohrwacher’s previous credits include “The Wonders” and “Corpo Celeste.”
“Happy as Lazzaro” made its world premiere at Cannes in May. Rohrwacher was awarded Best Screenplay for film, which was later acquired by Netflix. No word on a premiere date yet.
