Il Postino: The Postman
Il Postino: The Postman (Italian: Il postino, lit. ''The Postman''; the title used for the original US release) is a 1994 comedy-drama film co-written by and starring Massimo Troisi and directed by English filmmaker Michael Radford. Based on the 1985 novel Ardiente paciencia (English translation: "Burning Patience") by Antonio Skármeta, itself adapted from a 1983 film written and directed by Skármeta, the film tells a fictional story in which the real life Chilean poet Pablo Neruda forms a friendship with a simple Procida postman (Troisi) who learns to love poetry. The cast includes Troisi, Philippe Noiret, and Maria Grazia Cucinotta. The screenplay was adapted by Radford, Troisi, Anna Pavignano, Furio Scarpelli, and Giacomo Scarpelli.
| Il Postino: The Postman | |
|---|---|
Italian theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Radford |
| Screenplay by | Anna Pavignano Michael Radford Furio Scarpelli Giacomo Scarpelli Massimo Troisi |
| Story by | Furio Scarpelli Giacomo Scarpelli |
| Based on | Ardiente paciencia by Antonio Skármeta |
| Produced by | Mario Cecchi Gori Vittorio Cecchi Gori Gaetano Daniele |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Franco Di Giacomo |
| Edited by | Roberto Perpignani |
| Music by | Luis Enríquez Bacalov |
Production companies | Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematografica Penta Film Esterno Mediterraneo Film Blue Dahlia Productions K2 Two Le Studio Canal+ |
| Distributed by | Variety Distribution Cecchi Gori Distribuzione Penta Film Distribuzione (Italy) Miramax International (Select territories; through Buena Vista International) |
Release dates |
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Running time | 108 minutes |
| Countries | Italy France Belgium |
| Languages | Italian Spanish |
| Budget | $3 million |
| Box office | $33 million |
Writer/star Troisi was severely ill during filming, postponing heart surgery so it could be completed. The day after principal photography ended, he suffered a fatal heart attack, and the film was completed and released posthumously. The film was critically acclaimed, earning numerous accolades including BAFTA Awards for Best Film Not in the English Language, Best Direction, and Best Film Music. Composer Luis Bacalov won the Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score, and the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published.