News
October 11, 2025
Marco Bellocchio Brings the Fall of Enzo Tortora to the Screen in HBO Max’s ‘Portobello’
The legendary Italian director explores the true story of a beloved TV host wrongfully accused by the mob in HBO Max’s first Italian original series: "There is this innocent man, but he's not a saint. This interested me.”
**Marco Bellocchio Delves into the Dark Side of Justice with ‘Portobello’ on HBO Max**
HBO Max is set to premiere its first Italian original series, "Portobello," a gripping drama directed by the acclaimed Marco Bellocchio. The series tackles the shocking true story of Enzo Tortora, a beloved Italian television personality whose life was irrevocably altered by a wrongful accusation of association with the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia.
Tortora, a household name in Italy thanks to his popular variety show "Portobello," was arrested in 1983 based on the testimony of alleged mobsters. The arrest sent shockwaves through the nation and sparked a media frenzy. The series promises to delve into the complexities of the case, exploring the flaws within the Italian justice system and the devastating consequences of a rush to judgment.
Bellocchio, known for his unflinching portrayals of Italian society and its contradictions, brings his signature style to "Portobello." The director, whose illustrious career spans decades, has a knack for dissecting complex moral issues and presenting them in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
In a statement, Bellocchio shed light on his interest in the project. He emphasized that while Tortora was undoubtedly innocent of the charges against him, he was not necessarily portrayed as a flawless figure. "There is this innocent man, but he's not a saint. This interested me," Bellocchio explained, hinting at a nuanced portrayal of the man behind the media persona. The series likely explores Tortora's personal life and character, adding layers of complexity to the already compelling narrative.
"Portobello" is expected to be more than just a retelling of a famous legal case. It promises to be a powerful exploration of themes such as justice, media influence, and the fallibility of human institutions. The series is poised to capture the attention of audiences both in Italy and internationally, offering a captivating glimpse into a dark chapter in Italian history and raising important questions about the presumption of innocence and the power of public perception. Viewers can anticipate a gripping and emotionally charged series that will leave them questioning the true meaning of justice.
HBO Max is set to premiere its first Italian original series, "Portobello," a gripping drama directed by the acclaimed Marco Bellocchio. The series tackles the shocking true story of Enzo Tortora, a beloved Italian television personality whose life was irrevocably altered by a wrongful accusation of association with the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia.
Tortora, a household name in Italy thanks to his popular variety show "Portobello," was arrested in 1983 based on the testimony of alleged mobsters. The arrest sent shockwaves through the nation and sparked a media frenzy. The series promises to delve into the complexities of the case, exploring the flaws within the Italian justice system and the devastating consequences of a rush to judgment.
Bellocchio, known for his unflinching portrayals of Italian society and its contradictions, brings his signature style to "Portobello." The director, whose illustrious career spans decades, has a knack for dissecting complex moral issues and presenting them in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
In a statement, Bellocchio shed light on his interest in the project. He emphasized that while Tortora was undoubtedly innocent of the charges against him, he was not necessarily portrayed as a flawless figure. "There is this innocent man, but he's not a saint. This interested me," Bellocchio explained, hinting at a nuanced portrayal of the man behind the media persona. The series likely explores Tortora's personal life and character, adding layers of complexity to the already compelling narrative.
"Portobello" is expected to be more than just a retelling of a famous legal case. It promises to be a powerful exploration of themes such as justice, media influence, and the fallibility of human institutions. The series is poised to capture the attention of audiences both in Italy and internationally, offering a captivating glimpse into a dark chapter in Italian history and raising important questions about the presumption of innocence and the power of public perception. Viewers can anticipate a gripping and emotionally charged series that will leave them questioning the true meaning of justice.
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World