Diva Dolorosa (1999)

Diva Dolorosa (1999) poster

In this mesmerizing collage of silent Italian melodrama, found-footage filmmaker Peter Delpeut (Lyrical Nitrate) affectionately captures the spirit of the World War One-era cinema diva. In all-but-lost gems such as La donna nuda (1914), and Tigre reale (1916), superstars such as Lyda Borelli and Pina Menichelli portrayed heroines teetering dangerously between defiant indulgence in sexual passion and hysterical remorse at their own cruelties. Delpeut’s inventive celebration of Black Romanticism is both striking and heartbreaking in its composition—a beautifully woven narrative of tempted fate and self-torment, elegantly guided by Loek Dikker’s original score. Zeitgeist Films is proud to present Delpeut’s stunningly experimental work in all its heaving bosomed, luridly tinted glory.

Director: Peter Delpeut
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 75 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: Cineteca del Comune di Bologna, Filmmuseum Distributie, VPRO
Country: Italy, Netherlands
Language: No Language
Original Language: nl
More Films by Director: Peter Delpeut
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Diva Dolorosa about?
In this mesmerizing collage of silent Italian melodrama, found-footage filmmaker Peter Delpeut (Lyrical Nitrate) affectionately captures the spirit of the World War One-era cinema diva. In all-but-lost gems such as La donna nuda (1914), and Tigre reale (1916), superstars such as Lyda Borelli and Pina Menichelli portrayed heroines teetering dangerously between defiant indulgence in sexual passion and hysterical remorse at their own cruelties. Delpeut’s inventive celebration of Black Romanticism is both striking and heartbreaking in its composition—a beautifully woven narrative of tempted fate and self-torment, elegantly guided by Loek Dikker’s original score. Zeitgeist Films is proud to present Delpeut’s stunningly experimental work in all its heaving bosomed, luridly tinted glory.
Who directed Diva Dolorosa?
Diva Dolorosa was directed by Peter Delpeut.
Who stars in Diva Dolorosa?
Diva Dolorosa stars Lyda Borelli, Pina Menichelli, Francesca Bertini, Soava Gallone, Helena Makowska.
How long is Diva Dolorosa?
Diva Dolorosa has a runtime of 1h 15m (75 minutes).
What genre is Diva Dolorosa?
Diva Dolorosa is a Documentary film.
Where was Diva Dolorosa produced?
Diva Dolorosa was produced in Italy, Netherlands.