Photography NICOLA DE ROSA Styling SAMANTA PARDINI

From the combat ring to the stage lights, Lorenzo Adorni’s career is marked by resilience, overcoming adversities, and triumphing over challenges. Born in Parma, Italy, Adorni's journey from a classical high school in Milan to the vibrant theaters of Rome laid the foundation for his lifelong passion. Before embarking on an acting career, Lorenzo grew an interest in combat sports – an unconventional but pivotal chapter that sharpened his mental acuity and strength of character. These skills proved invaluable when faced with the unexpected hurdle of Bell's palsy resulting from a side effect of the Moderna vaccine. In the shadows of uncertainty, the former boxer not only persevered but also soared to new heights re-entering a flourishing career as evidenced by his presence at the prestigious Venice Film Festival after starring in the Golden Lion’s nominated movie Adagio. Lorenzo is next set to appear in January ‘24 in L'anima in Pace (loosely translated to Your Mind at Ease), a poignant Italian drama depicting the struggles of a broken Italian family.

Interview by David Gargiulo

David Gargiulo __ I've read about your competitive involvement in boxing, kickboxing, and karate. What sparked this passion?

Lorenzo Adorni __ I engaged in various combat sports at a competitive level. What drew me in was the physicality and the discipline it demanded. I'm not talking about physical violence; instead, I found the means to develop effective and quick thinking and strategic prowess in combat sports. I delved deeper into these lessons while studying kata in karate [kata is the act of meticulously and consistently practicing karate movement until every single gesture is mastered]. The process not only sharpens the mind but also teaches how to internalize lessons. 

DG __ Do you still keep up with your training? While these sports are beautiful, they are also extreme, with the risk of injuries that could impact your work as an actor. Have you faced such challenges?

LA __ While I was practicing these sports, I hadn't started my film career yet. Boxing left me with a few dislocated metacarpals, a broken nose, and a slightly marked eyebrow, among other battle scars. So yes, injuries are inevitable; they serve as reminders of our missteps. Today, I approach every mistake in life with the same mindset, thanks to the discipline I acquired from these sports. Once you've been injured, you become more vigilant to prevent it from happening again. If only it were that straightforward! [laughs] "Understanding" doesn't necessarily translate to "not repeating"; it takes time, and repetita semper iuvant [Latin for repetition always helps].

DG __ Your body of work leans toward comedies and dramas. This is surprising given your background in combat sports. Are you not a fan of action films?

LA __ I don't think it's about my preferences. At this point in my career, I find myself auditioning and lacking the luxury of choosing from multiple projects. So, it's not that I'm ruling out action films; it's more a matter of the opportunities presented. Occasionally, I've come across auditions for "physically demanding" films; I just haven't been selected yet. Additionally, I believe action films are somewhat sidelined in Italy, which naturally reduces the chances of being cast in one.

DG __ I heard you experienced Bell's palsy. Was this somehow linked to your sports background? When did it happen, and how did you cope with the fear of it affecting your career?

“As a community, not only actors but all entertainment industry workers, we [the Italian Actors Guild] still need a robust push to be united and strong in our dealings with institutions.”

LA __ Indeed, it's true, but the cause wasn't related to sports. In my case, it was an unfortunate side effect of the Moderna vaccine. It was November 2021, a few days after my second dose. I experienced severe bouts of dizziness and high fever with nausea. After the second day, I had to go to the hospital because I couldn't even drink without vomiting. While hospitalized, the left side of my face gradually became paralyzed. It was a challenging period, and the paralysis only disappeared at the end of May 2022. The signs on some parts of my face will remain forever. I lost a significant job opportunity, didn't audition, and was understandably tense and worried. However, time heals all wounds, and here we are!

DG __ Not only did you overcome it, but your career soared. What was it like attending the Venice Film Festival with the film Adagio?

LA __ My first time at the Venice Film Festival was an unparalleled thrill. The experience was a whirlwind of emotions, and I'm immensely grateful to those who gave me the chance and trusted me to be there. I'm also proud of myself for rolling up my sleeves after that challenging period of paralysis, giving my best, and restarting my work.

DG __ Why do you think the Italian Actors Guild didn't join the Hollywood strike? 

LA __ As a community, not only actors but all entertainment industry workers, we still need a robust push to be united and strong in our dealings with institutions. Progress is happening, and numerous associations are making significant strides in that direction. The Hollywood strike sparked a powerful notion in us that "perhaps seemingly stronger entities can be opposed." I'm optimistic about the potential for change.

DG __ You are coming out with a new movie L’anima in Pace. What can you tell us about it? 

LA __ L’anima in Pace is an independent film shot in the summer of 2022. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with truly inspiring, generous, and talented individuals—from director Ciro Formisano to the lead actress Livia Antonelli, Donatella Finocchiaro, and an outstanding artistic and technical cast. The film is a poetic portrayal of the everyday life of a world that for people living a middle class life reaches them as a newspaper’s headline or as a fear of finding themselves falling into that situation. The film is set to release in January, and we're eager to hear the viewers’ thoughts.

DG __ I couldn't find an Instagram account for you, which seems unusual for an actor. Can you shed light on this decision?

LA __ I simply lost connection with the social network's vibe. I used it sparingly and ineffectively, finding it distracting. I felt caught up in an illusion, where I perceived myself as being crushed by my own expectations and the image I wanted to project. It didn't feel right. To be clear, this isn't a campaign against social networks; it's a personal choice. Personally, I couldn't manage social networks in a way that felt right, so I distanced myself. This might impact my career; I'm uncertain, but I still believe my primary role is to narrate a character's story to people. If I were to return to the social media world, it would be with an account managed by industry professionals. Many colleagues have made a similar choice, so I'm not alone in this!

DG __ Rome, Milan, or perhaps Los Angeles? Which city do you prefer?

LA __ All three work for me, as long as they're connected to my work! I've been in Rome for many years, but I've come to realize that, having grown up in the green Emilian province of Italy, urban areas don't resonate with me, especially for prolonged periods of time.

DG __ Have you ever contemplated trying your luck in the States? What held you back? 

LA __ I don't think anything has ever truly held me back. Dreaming of Hollywood is almost a rite of passage in this profession! When the time came to invest in my education and career, I felt a calling to build both here. I'm Italian, fluent in English, and have trained with professionals from Italy, the U.S., and the U.K. If the foreign scene ever beckons (not limited to the Anglo-Saxon world), I'd definitely consider it! But for now, my focus remains here; it feels more pragmatic and feasible at this time.

DG __ Do you believe that cinema carries the responsibility of conveying positive messages of change? If so, what message would you like it to send?

LA __ I see cinema, theater, and any form of representation as having a cathartic value and being conveyors of messages to the audience. Speaking as "me part of the audience," and "me as the actor," I feel a need for sending and receiving messages of courage. The courage to explore oneself and to connect as individuals as part of a larger whole. Messages of respect, care, kindness, sharing, and purity.

DG __ I've read you harbor an interest in directing. What kind of film would you like to create? 

LA __ Directing a film is my unfulfilled dream. Ideas often float through my mind—dialogs and scenes take shape as images. While I seldom think about writing, I envision what will be seen. I envision a film filled with hope.

Photography Nicola De Rosa, Stylist Samanta Pardini, Grooming Giorgia Palvarini, Interview David Gargiulo, Talent Lorenzo Adorni (MPunto Comunicazione)