L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 O nly a year sepa- rates the origi- n a l s c o r e s o f two films that made cinematic history. In 1975, the progres- sive rock band Goblin com- posed a soundtrack destined to become one of the most iconic e v e r m a d e . R o l l i n g S t o n e Italia listed it among the 100 greatest Italian albums of all t i m e : c a s c a d i n g a r p e g g i o s , sudden bursts of sound, an insistent ticking, and a restless absence of silence combine to create a sense of pervasive ten- sion, the symbol of the film's disturbing atmosphere. The goal was clear: to build in the viewer an uneasy anticipation that would inevitably turn into fear. This was Dario Argento's Profondo Rosso (Deep Red), not a horror film built on gore, but one where music and imagery construct fear, guide it, and let it take shape inside the viewer's mind. A year later, composer Bill Conti received an Academy Award nomination for his score to Rocky (1976), the story of Soundtracks that shaped Italian-American culture From the Editor a down-and-out boxer, the quintessential underdog of 1970s American cinema, who seizes his one chance at redemption in the ring. The theme became one of the most recognizable in film history. Its melody rises in an encouraging crescendo, filled with forward energy and determination that is both athletic and deeply motivational. The music drives, pushes, and uplifts, urging listeners to persevere and reach their goals. It stands as an anthem to persistence and resilience, reflecting both Rocky's inner struggle and the collective fight of those who stand beside him: family, friends, and commu- nity. Its ascending rhythm carries an epic momentum, blending determination with hope, until it becomes a true hymn of inspiration. It is well known that a film's soundtrack is vital to its artistic impact: it not only accompanies the action but also directs the viewer's emotional response. In both of these works, the music sustains and shapes the emotional tone of the story. Argento's score evokes anxiety and unease; Stal- lone's embodies triumph and resolve. Argento transforms music into a narrative tool, where every sound becomes part of the storytelling. His use of dissonant tones and frantic rhythms heightens tension, leaving the audience psychologi- cally exposed. In Deep Red, the piercing, pulsating sounds do more than emphasize terror; they dictate the story's rhythm and prepare the viewer for each shocking turn. The eerie notes of Goblin, combined with the film's vivid colors, create an oppressive yet magnetic atmosphere that lingers long after the credits fade. Within Argento's distinctive visu- al style, rich with saturated colors, elaborate sets, and sud- den twists, the intense use of music defines the scene, ampli- fying the suspense and creating an unforgettable emotional experience. Rocky, on the other hand, would not be the same without its anthem, Gonna Fly Now, a tribute to perseverance that has come to embody the very essence of the American dream. Stallone also deserves credit for giving new momen- tum to Italian-American culture, celebrating values such as family, determination, and resilience, and paving the way for a more positive and diverse portrayal of Italian Americans in US cinema. After a long period in which actors of Italian descent were often confined to stereotypical roles – gang- sters, laborers, or newly arrived immigrants – the character of Rocky Balboa, the underdog who fights against all odds, became a symbol of transformation. Through him, genera- tions of Italian Americans found a message of empower- ment: that no matter one's origins, it is possible to overcome adversity and carve out a place in the world. At first glance, these two cinematic giants seem to come from entirely different worlds: Argento, the master of psy- chological suspense, and Stallone, the muscular and emo- tional embodiment of action. Yet few names in film history resonate with such power and instant recognition. Though their styles could not be further apart, both embody a kind of cinema that distills artistic talent into unforgettable works. Argento, the visionary of Italian horror, shaped a genre through bold, visually stunning creations; Stallone, the enduring icon of American action, became synonymous with strength and resilience. In both cases, the soundtrack serves as the vital bridge between image and meaning, the driving force that carries the audience through a sonic journey where every emotion is amplified. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2025 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114

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