Diamonds: A Cinematic Gem That Sparkles With Italian Elegance & Style
Image: Diamonds
Diamonds is a dramatic offering with mild comical elements from Italy, based on the intense and sombre confrontations Turkish-Italian filmmaker Ferzan Ozpetek experienced in tailoring shops during the 1970s, while shooting his feature films.
The story delves on a group of women who work in a cinema costume company owned by Alberta and Gabriella Canova (Luisa Ranieri & Jasmine Trinca respectively), two sisters who are passionate in their craft.
Working on multiple projects, a stringent three-week deadline arises to complete all the outfits required for a mid-18th Century themed movie. But problems arise when the costumes are not exactly based on the supplied designs and fail to meet the high expectations of the director.
The cold and distant Oscar-winning costume designer (Vanessa Scalera), who is deemed as the greatest costume designer in the world, seems to trample on people as if they were doormats and abruptly tells the seamstresses, “The costumes allow the actors to get into character. There are more Oscars here than buttons!”
But will this hard-working group of women ultimately succeed in fulfilling the requirements of an important order with a very tight deadline that has arrived from an Oscar-winning costume designer client?
Vividly captured are some of the stories of the women working in this costume shop, and what they must contend with in their personal lives, each fighting their own demons – spurred on by past tragedies, family violence and previous love affairs.
More importantly this is a nostalgic tribute to the women who have worked in the costume departments in the cinema industry. Their powerful friendships and eternal bonds, women who work to unrealistic deadlines under costume designers who can be cruel and treat them in an oppressive manner. This potentially leads to anxieties and feelings of inadequacy and self-worthlessness when realistically they should be regarded as diamonds in the world of cinema.
This is a remarkable film. Audiences will experience the whole process from the design stage to the final creation; the delicate fabrics combined with expert craftsmanship creating breathtaking and elegant costumes.
The cast of actors is the prime reason for this film’s success. The ensemble cast have created a cinematic experience which is captivating and has brought a sense of realism and emotional depth to the film. The male actors take the back seat in supporting roles.
This production is flawless. The meticulous detail in the sets, the visually striking cinematography and the mood enhancing musical score which perfectly complements the solemness of the narrative compound to present audiences with an unforgettable film.
Diamonds is a standout feature film and quintessentially highlights the continuing emergence of high-quality Italian cinema with local stories that should inspire and be of interest to all audiences.
****
Diamonds is showing at the Italian Film Festival 2025, September 18 – October 15.
