'Martin Eden': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about the Italian movie starring Luca Marinelli

Loosely based on the 1909 novel of the same name by Jack London, it tells the story of the unbridgeable gaps between the rich and the poor via a proletariat with artistic aspirations
PUBLISHED OCT 13, 2020
(Photo by Francesca Errichiello, courtesy Kino Lorber)
(Photo by Francesca Errichiello, courtesy Kino Lorber)

When 'Martin Eden' had first premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, it had taken everyone's breath away. Pietro Marcello's masterful Italian historical romance drama won not just applause but also earned accolades for its honest story. 

And now, after over a year since its festival release, 'Martin Eden' is finally coming to US shores. Loosely based on the 1909 novel of the same name by Jack London, it tells the story of the unbridgeable gaps between the rich and the poor via a proletariat with artistic aspirations. Starring some of the best of Italian talent, the movie will now be shown in the US. 

Here's everything you need to know before the movie's release. 

Release date

'Martin Eden' is scheduled to open in select theaters and in virtual cinemas on October 16, 2020. 

Plot

According to the official synopsis of the film, "Adapted from a 1909 novel by Jack London yet set in a provocatively unspecified moment in Italy's history, 'Martin Eden' is a passionate and enthralling narrative fresco in the tradition of the great Italian classics. Martin (played by the marvellously committed Luca Marinelli) is a self-taught proletarian with artistic aspirations who hopes that his dreams of becoming a writer will help him rise above his station and marry a wealthy young university student (Jessica Cressy). The dissatisfactions of working-class toil and bourgeois success lead to a political awakening and destructive anxiety in this enveloping, superbly mounted bildungsroman."

Cast

Luca Marinelli as Martin Eden

Luca Marinelli poses with the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor Award for "Martin Eden" at the Winners Photocall during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on September 07, 2019 in Venice, Italy. (Getty Images)

At the 2019 Venice International Film Festival, Marinelli won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance in the movie. He also earned a nomination for the David di Donatello and Globo d'Oro (Italian Golden Globe) Best Actor Award for the role.  

Marinelli gained a lot of attention recently for his role of Nicky in 'The Old Guard'. He is also known for his performances as Guido in 'Every Blessed Day', Cesare in 'Don't Be Bad', and The Gipsy in 'They Call Me Jeeg'.

Carlo Cecchi as Russ Brissenden

Carlo Cecchi arrives at the red carpet ahead of the "Martin Eden" screening during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on September 02, 2019 in Venice, Italy. (Getty Images)

Cecchi is a veteran Italian actor known for his work in 'The Death of a Neapolitan Mathematician' by Mario Martone, 'The Good Pope: Pope John XXIII ', 'Miele', and 'The Red Violin'. The actor as worked alongside directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Pupi Avati and Ferzan Özpetek.

Marco Leonardi as Bernardo

Marco Leonardi walks the red carpet ahead of the "Martin Eden" screening during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on September 02, 2019 in Venice, Italy. (Getty Images)

Leonardi is best known for starring in the acclaimed Italian film 'Cinema Paradiso' at the age of 17. He is also known for his work in 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico', 'From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter', and 'The Five Senses'.

Apart from them, the movie also stars Jessica Cressy as Elena Orsini, Vincenzo Nemolato as Nino, Denise Sardisco as Margherita, Carmen Pommella as Maria, Autilia Ranieri as Giulia, Savino Paparella as Edmondo Peluso, and Elisabetta Valgoi as Matilde Orsini.

Creators 

The movie is directed by Pietro Marcello, who also produced the movie and wrote the screenplay. 

Pietro Marcello attends "Martin Eden" photocall during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on September 02, 2019 in Venice, Italy. (Getty Images)

'Martin Eden' won the Best Adapted Screenplay prize at the David di Donatello Awards for writers Maurizio Braucci and Marcello, adapting London's text. It was also nominated for other awards too including Best Film and Best Actor. At the Toronto International Film Festival last year, 'Martin Eden' won the Platform prize.

Trailer



 

Where to watch

This film will be released on October 16, 2020, in a combination of theaters and virtual cinemas, and will be available on VoD. 

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