Based on Jack London’s 1909 novel, Pietro Marcello’s Martin Eden chronicles the life of an uneducated sailor (Luca Marinelli) who falls for wealthy Italian beauty Elena Orsini, and is subsequently inspired to become a writer.

Yearning to transform himself to prove his worth to Elena, Martin immerses himself in literature and politics. Irrevocably emerging as a fierce critic of the ruling class, Martin comes into conflict with Elena’s family.

Relocated to early 20th century Naples, Marcello’s film cleverly blurs past and present to create a mesmerising portrait of a timeless anti-hero caught within the flux of history. The director seamlessly interweaves archival footage of the city and its people throughout, resulting in a richly textured film of lush visual pleasures.

Director: Pietro Marcello

Cast: Luca Marinelli, Jessica Cressy, Vincenzo Nemolato, Denise Sardisco

FILM INFO: 129 minutes, Italy, France, Germany, 2019, CLUB

Please note, for technical reasons surround sound is not available for this particular screening.