Question: Some characters have an influence over others. Assess the positive and negative influences of characters over others in Nuovo Cinema Paradiso.

Giuseppe Tornatore's film, 'Nuovo Cinema Paradiso', develops the story of a young boy searching for a father figure. The film explores the paternal relationship which the boy develops and the influence the boy and surrogate father have upon each other.

It soon becomes apparent that it is the relationship between Alfredo, the curmudgeonly projectionist, and Toto, the precocious and adorable boy, where we witness the development of the moving story of friendship and guidance develop. Though, to fully understand how the relationship is formed and the extent of the influence, it is first necessary to look back at the characters formative experiences which have pre-date their relationship.

Although the film doesn't divulge a great deal about Alfredo before his interactions with Toto we are able to gain a number of small, but important, insights in to his life through his early conversations with Toto. While Alfredo is carrying Toto on his bicycle Alfredo makes mention to what he tells his children. Toto, being sharp witted, bluntly

One of the first things we discover about Toto is his highly precocious nature. Apart from being an intelligent boy and possessing a natural inquisitiveness, it becomes apparent that Toto's environment has created a need for him to gain his independence at an early age. We soon learn of Toto's longing for a father. We observe a touching scene where Toto addresses his preoccupied mother while playing with snippets of film from the 'Cinema Paradiso'. Toto stares innocently at a picture of his father and tells his mother that he no longer can remember him. The audience learns that Toto has lost his connection with his father and male role model. Toto is now longing for a replacement for the lost affection to fill his spiritual void.

At other times, the wisdom comes from the depth of Alfredo himself, like the time when he counsels Toto in the doorway reciting the story of the soldier who stood below the fair princess's balcony to prove his love and devotion.

Alfredo performs, in large part, as the teacher who provides Toto with an understanding of the truth and harshness of the world, while helping Toto to recognise and actualise his dreams.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Cinema Paradiso, Toto Alfredo, Cinema Paradiso', Paradiso' Toto, Essay Question, Alfredo Toto, Giuseppe Tornatore's, cinema paradiso, toto alfredo, 'nuovo cinema paradiso', nuovo cinema paradiso, paternal relationship, 'nuovo cinema, toto's development, father figure, provides toto, relationship alfredo, Nuovo Cinema, projectionist toto, surrogate father,
Approximate Word count = 1077
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)