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Pantelleria - the New Movie Hotspot
Exclusive behind -the -scenes at A Bigger Splash
A BIGGER SPLASH
Inspired by the 60s Romy Schneider/Alain Delon classic, La Piscine, A Bigger Splash is a gorgeously-shot movie full of simmering sexual tension and intrigue (and a fabulous Raf Simons-for -Dior wardrobe) in the beautifully wild, black volcanic island of Pantelleria. Here is an exclusive look at what the cast and crew thought of it.
A Bigger Splash is released in the UK on Friday February 12
A kind of African/Italian hybrid, Pantelleria lies between Sicily and Tunisia. There are no beaches, exotic cacti, towering cliffs, and a parched, windblown landscape dotted with traditional, domed roof dammusi made of lava rock. Rent one from air bnb or Il Dammuso
It was the perfect setting for A Bigger Splash, starring Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson and Matthias Schoenaerts.
Tilda Swinton plays Marianne Lane, a Bowie-esque rock legend, who comes to Pantelleria with boyfriend, Paul (Schoenaerts), to recuperate from a throat operation .
Ralph Fiennes plays the exuberant/overbearing Harry, Marianne's former lover and manager, who descends (uninvited) on their hideaway with new-found troubled teen daughter, Pen, (Dakota Johnson)
Tilda Swinton's amazing wardrobe was designed by Raf Simons for Dior.
Director Luca Guadagnino was captivated with Pantelleria:
‘I always wanted Pantelleria for the film, the island embodies a very dangerous sense of otherness and natural urgency that creates another level of conflict with the characters.
I wanted to have this impossibly strong force of Pantelleria against the incredibly strong conflict of these four private people, so they are facing not only their own conflict but also the powerful and unpredictable otherness of the island. The rocks there are dark, almost black from the volcanic activity, and the winds are legendary and powerful; the most famous known as the hot scirocco that blows in from Africa.'
Where to stay:
Most of the action is in Tenuta Borgia, a cluster of seven dammusi, one of which was the house rented by recuperating rock star Marianne (Tilda Swinton) and Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts).
Tilda Swinton with director Luca Guadagnino
Food is big focus in the movie: these were the cast and crew's favourite places to eat and drink
Coste Ghirlanda, Piana de Ghirlanda
Very chic and elegant, exquisite food, special wine one of Luca’s favourites
This rustic restaurant has a lovely sea view terrace: Armani (who has a house here) takes his guests here
La Nicchia sul Mare was one of our favourites
Alta Marea We had our wrap party in this very stylish club/restaurant– and lots of lunches
La Vela was another favourite lunch spot
BAR
U Friscu, Scauri
We had lunch here every day during the prep weeks before we started shooting, and when the filming began, they did the catering
The sunsets here are epically beautiful
Beautiiful white jumpsuit from Raf Simons for Dior
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