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Documentary

Spettacolo (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Spettacolo (2017) movie poster

Spettacolo is a 2017 documentary directed by Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen, starring Alpo Mangiavacchi, Andrea Cresti and Arturo Vignai. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $32,494 worldwide. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$32.5K
Echo Score
76
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Spettacolo (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Italian
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spettacolo About?

The premise of Spettacolo without spoilers.

This documentary explores a unique tradition in a small Tuscan town, where residents stage an annual, self-referential performance reflecting their own lives. For fifty years, this spectacle has been a cherished event, but now the town faces an uncertain future. An aging population and a disconnect between younger residents and the town's rural heritage threaten the continuation of this beloved tradition, raising questions about its survival and the community's identity.

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Cast & crew

Spettacolo Cast

Alpo Mangiavacchi leads the cast, with Andrea Cresti and Arturo Vignai. Directed by Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Spettacolo

· 5 more
From the directors

More from Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen

More films directed by Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen, best-rated first: The Saint of Second Chances, Marwencol and Mickey: The Story of a Mouse.

Ratings

Spettacolo Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spettacolo 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (60).

76 /100

Spettacolo Echo Score Breakdown

Spettacolo offers a richly atmospheric exploration of community and tradition, anchored by striking visuals and heartfelt moments. Critics praised its evocative cinematography and emotional resonance among the villagers, though some noted a tendency toward placid structure and a rushed climax that undercut narrative cohesion. While the thematic depth and sensory design lend the film a memorable aura, uneven pacing and occasional lack of focus temper its overall impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Spettacolo is distinguished by its evocative cinematography and meticulous production design. Reviewers highlighted lovely moments of contemplation and a beguiling visual portrayal of the town’s architecture and landscapes. While the direction’s measured pacing can feel placid at times, the overall visual cohesion creates a distinctive aesthetic. Consequently, the film’s craft consistently supports its thematic exploration.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Spettacolo derives strength from its authentic portrayal of local participants and their dedication to tradition. Critics noted the touching depictions of villagers who yearn to sustain their cultural heritage, and many described the film as both moving and resonant. Although some felt it missed opportunities to memorialize performances fully, the documentary maintains a sincere emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Spettacolo exhibits a mixture of thematic resonance and uneven pacing. Some reviewers found the narrative construction pedestrian and loosely focused, with a rushed climax that undercut coherence. While the documentary’s cautionary exploration of time and tradition offers meaningful insight, structural unevenness and occasional superficial tension limit its narrative engagement overall.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In terms of sensory experience, Spettacolo immerses the audience through its lush visual style and cohesive sound design. Critics praised the beguiling photography of the town’s streets and landscapes, and described the overall presentation as a consummate spectacle. The documentary’s measured audio-visual integration enhances its reflective tone, resulting in a notably immersive viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of rewatch factor, Spettacolo offers moderate appeal for dedicated viewers while presenting limitations for broader repeat viewing. Enthusiasts of theater and cultural documentation may revisit the film for its reflective imagery and thematic depth, but the documentary’s placid pacing and occasional narrative unevenness may reduce its replay value. Overall, its lasting appeal skews toward a niche audience.

Box office

Spettacolo Box Office

Spettacolo grossed $32,494 worldwide.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$32.5K

US & Canada
$32.5K

Seen Spettacolo?

FAQ

Spettacolo FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Spettacolo, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Spettacolo?

Spettacolo runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was Spettacolo released?

Spettacolo was released on September 6, 2017.

Who directed Spettacolo?

Spettacolo was directed by Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen.

More films by Jeff Malmberg

Who is in the cast of Spettacolo?

Spettacolo stars Alpo Mangiavacchi, Andrea Cresti and Arturo Vignai, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Spettacolo make at the box office?

Spettacolo grossed $32,494 worldwide.

How is Spettacolo rated?

Spettacolo has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Spettacolo have a post-credit scene?

No. Spettacolo has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Spettacolo in?

The original language of Spettacolo is Italian.

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