The Hidden Cinematic Gems: Unveiling the Locations of the Italian Film Le Vele

The Hidden Cinematic Gems: Unveiling the Locations of the Italian Film 'Le Vele'

Have you ever wondered where the Italian movie 'Le Vele' was filmed? 'Le Vele' is a captivating film that delves into the complex and often overshadowed aspects of modern Italian society. This article will take you through the locations that were used for this project, highlighting some of the more unique and hidden settings.

The Real Setting: Le Vele di Scampia

One of the more striking locations used for 'Le Vele' is the real-world project district Le Vele in Scampia, a suburb of Naples. Built in the 1980s, this district was intended to bring inhabitants closer to the city with efficient construction and plenty of green spaces. However, it fell far short of these lofty goals.

Designed in the 1960s with the best of intentions, Le Vele actually became a ghetto, sheltering criminality and poverty. Its layout is such that it is challenging for a filming crew to maneuver, making it less suitable for on-location shoots. Additionally, the real estate in this district carries a negative connotation among the local population, who consider any filming there to be denigratory.

On Location vs. Set Design

While the majority of the movie's scenes were not shot in Le Vele itself, some were indeed filmed in this district. A scene where a character lives in an apartment is said to have been filmed in Torre Annunziata, a nearby town with cleaner streets and wider roads, making it ideal for filming.

It is said that the apartment where the boss Pietro lived was actually rented out to a local crime boss, complete with gold and fake antique furniture. This fascinating detail adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film, showing the on-screen world blending with the real one in unexpected ways.

The Vele di Scampia: A New Hiding Spot

The Vele di Scampia apartment complex is another unique location used in the film. Built in the 1980s, it is designed to be a challenging setting to film in due to its tight layout and narrow streets. It is claimed that one can hide within the building without being noticed, as any police officer approaching the center of the building would have already been spotted long before.

The labyrinthine nature of Vele di Scampia makes it a practical but challenging location for filming. It is also worth noting that there is an English Wikipedia page dedicated to this location, underscoring its significance.

Future Plans and Hopes

As of recently, the new mayor of Naples has promised to tear down Le Vele and replace it with a more modern and cleaner-looking district. However, the fate of Vele di Scampia remains uncertain. As we move forward, these locations are more than just movie settings; they represent a critical part of the narrative and cultural landscape of Naples and Italy as a whole.

These unique locations not only serve as a backdrop for the film but also paint a vivid picture of the social and economic challenges facing many urban areas in Italy. Visit the Scampia - Wikipedia page for more details on the history and current situation of this area.

Discover the hidden treasures and controversial locations of 'Le Vele', and see how real-life settings intersect with cinematic storytelling in ways that add depth and authenticity to the film.