In the realm of cinematic storytelling, few films have the power to transport viewers to a different era and place quite like Gianfranco Rosi's 'Pompei: Below the Clouds'. This documentary, released on the streaming platform Mubi, takes a unique approach to exploring the ancient wonders of Naples, Italy. Through the lens of a train journey, Rosi offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
As a filmmaker myself, I was drawn to the film's innovative structure and its ability to showcase the hidden gems of Naples. The documentary's strength lies in its ability to blend the past and present seamlessly, creating a sense of temporal fluidity. Rosi's camera becomes a time machine, guiding us through the region's seismic landscape, from the Sorrentine peninsula to the lesser-known craters of the Phlegraean Fields.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Below the Clouds' is its exploration of the ancient ruins and their connection to the present day. The film begins with a descent into the damp foundations of the Teatro Romano in Herculaneum, where visitors are transported back 2,000 years. This opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the documentary, inviting viewers to reflect on the fragility of human existence and the enduring legacy of the past.
Rosi's decision to stay on the train, rather than alighting at the archaeological sites, adds a layer of intimacy and immediacy to the experience. The train becomes a microcosm of the region's history, with each stop revealing a new layer of the city's past. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of the overlooked towns and villages.
One of the most captivating stops on the journey is Torre Annunziata. Here, Rosi captures the visible layers of the town's history, from diamond-patterned Roman brickwork to Doric columns from an excavated Roman villa. The Villa Oplontis, believed to have been built for Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Emperor Nero, is a particular highlight. Its almost untouched frescoes and pristine colonnade create a sense of discovery, as if one has stumbled upon a hidden treasure.
The journey continues to Somma Vesuviana, where the Villa Augustea, the imperial estate where Emperor Augustus is believed to have died, is slowly being uncovered by a team from the University of Tokyo. The archaeological treasures buried across the region are a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of human civilization. Rosi's camera captures the essence of this discovery, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the enduring legacy of the past.
The Cumana train line, which runs in the opposite direction, offers a different perspective on the region. Departing from Montesanto station in central Naples, it heads west to Pozzuoli, a working port city with a rich history. The film's exploration of Pozzuoli reveals the dangers posed by the Phlegraean Fields, which rumble daily beneath the city's foundations. The sulfuric smoke drifting over the port serves as a stark reminder of the region's geological activity and the fragility of human existence.
The documentary's climax occurs in an abandoned cinema, where Rosi projects clips from Roberto Rossellini's 'Journey to Italy'. This juxtaposition of the past and present creates a sense of temporal fluidity, as if the cinema is a portal to another era. The film's ending is both poignant and thought-provoking, leaving viewers with a sense of awe and contemplation.
'Pompei: Below the Clouds' is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, cinema, and the human experience. Rosi's unique approach to storytelling invites viewers to reflect on the past, present, and future, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of the ancient world. The film's impact extends beyond the screen, inspiring viewers to explore the hidden wonders of Naples and to contemplate the fragility of human existence.
In my opinion, 'Below the Clouds' is a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling, a testament to the power of film to transport viewers to different eras and places. Rosi's unique perspective and innovative approach to documentary filmmaking make this film a must-watch for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of human civilization.
