Volume 20
The Mediterranean Edit: The Leopard — Sea bream carpaccio — Zephyr, London
Happy Sunday and welcome back to Giselle daydreams!
In today’s volume, I’m feeling very Mediterranean-inspired. I’m writing about an iconic film The Leopard, and I’m also sharing my sea bream carpaccio recipe. Finally, I’m reviewing a Greek restaurant that I was looking forward to going to in London. Enjoy!
A film: The Leopard by Luchino Visconti (1963)
The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) is a 1963 Italian epic historical drama film directed by Luchino Visconti, based on the 1958 eponymous by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.
The story is set in 1860s Sicily during the period of the Risorgimento, a time of social and political upheaval and the unification of Italy. It follows the ageing Prince Don Fabrizio Salina (played by Burt Lancaster), who witnesses the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The narrative focuses on his nephew, Tancredi (played by Alain Delon), and his romance with Angelica (played by Claudia Cardinale), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy but uncultured mayor.
The film explores the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy and the rise of a new bourgeois class. This transition is embodied in the character of Don Fabrizio, Prince of Salina, who is keenly aware of the inevitable changes which threaten his way of life. The changing political landscape serves as a catalyst for the transformation of society and the tension between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie highlights the class struggle inherent in the period’s social transformations.
The film explores themes of decay, change, and the inevitability of progress. It reflects on the transformation of society and the fading of the old aristocratic order during a critical period in Italian history.
The film poignantly captures the fading grandeur of the Sicilian aristocracy, embodied by Prince Don Fabrizio Salina. His character represents this decline, witnessing its inevitable decay of society with a mixture of melancholic resignation and nostalgia. The ascent of the bourgeoisie is depicted through characters like Don Calogero Sedara, a wealthy but uncultured mayor, and his daughter Angelica. Their rise signifies the new social order, highlighting the shift in power and influence from the old aristocracy to the emerging middle class.
Tancredi’s pragmatic approach to the changing political landscape is encapsulated in his famous line, “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” This theme underscores the necessity of adaptation in the face of social and political upheaval. In contrast, Don Fabrizio’s reluctance and inability to adapt to the new order reflect the broader resistance of the old guard to the inevitable progress.
The film’s detailed depiction of the passing of an era, through its slow-paced narrative and emphasis on the fading grandeur of the aristocracy, reinforces the theme of time’s relentless march forward. The film emphasises the passage of time and the end of an era. This is visually represented through the decaying palaces and the ageing of Don Fabrizio. Don Fabrizio’s contemplation on his own mortality and the future of his family serve as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and power.
The protagonists grapple with their identities amidst the changing times. Don Fabrizio’s internal conflict about his role and legacy mirrors the larger existential questions faced by the declining aristocracy. He is a complex character, embodying dignity, wisdom, and melancholy. His internal conflict and awareness of his diminishing influence make him a tragic figure.
The romance between Tancredi and Angelica represents more than just personal affection; it symbolises the merging of the old and new social orders. Their union is both a strategic alliance and a commentary on the changing nature of power and influence. The film illustrates how marriages and alliances are often driven by social and political considerations, reflecting the pragmatic aspects of relationships within the aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Tancredi represents the pragmatic youth who navigates the changing landscape with charm and adaptability. Angelica’s beauty and vivacity captivate both Tancredi and the audience. She symbolises the allure of the new bourgeoisie and the opportunities it presents.
Visconti is known for his meticulous attention to detail and opulent visual style, and brings the historical setting to life with lush cinematography and elaborate and opulent period costumes. This contrasts with the underlying decay and decline of the aristocracy. This juxtaposition enhances the themes of beauty, nostalgia, and the inevitable erosion of time.
The Leopard is noted for its grandeur, especially the extended ballroom scene, which is considered a masterpiece of cinematic choreography. The extended ballroom scene epitomises the theme of elegance amid decay. It showcases the remaining splendour of the aristocracy while foreshadowing its impending irrelevance.
Giuseppe Rotunno’s cinematography captures the opulence and decay of the setting. The use of colour and light enhances the film’s historical authenticity and emotional depth. The Leopard ’s lavish production design and meticulous costumes contribute to its immersive quality, highlighting the contrast between the aristocratic past and the emerging bourgeoisie. The film’s leisurely pace reflects the slow decline of the aristocracy and allows for deep character exploration. The extended ballroom sequence is a microcosm of the film’s themes, showcasing the fading elegance of the old world and the exuberance of the new. The music enhances the film’s emotional resonance, blending traditional motifs with a sense of melancholy.
The Leopard received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and visual style. It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963 and is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and a landmark of Italian cinema. Critics have praised Visconti’s ability to blend historical narrative with personal drama, creating a film that is both epic and intimate.
Through its characters, narrative, and visual style, The Leopard offers a profound meditation on societal change, decay, mortality, the passage of time, and the enduring human spirit in the face of inevitable transformation. It masterfully weaves these themes into a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of a society in transition.
Visconti’s adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel remains a timeless exploration of historical and personal evolution and his masterful direction, combined with stellar performances and sumptuous visuals, creates a film of enduring beauty and significance. It captures a pivotal moment in history with both grandeur and intimacy, making it a cornerstone of Italian cinema.
A recipe: Sea bream carpaccio
I’ve been craving fish carpaccio lately as the weather is getting warmer, and avoiding using pots and pans fills me with immense joy. This way, my husband also stops teasing me with the number of cooking gear I need to use to prepare a Friday night dinner, which is a win-win for everyone. For those who prefer tuna, you can check my tuna tartare recipe here.
Ingredients: for 2 as I main or 4/5 people for starter
2 Sea bream fillets (you can substitute for Sea bass) this is extremely important that you buy fresh fish. I buy mine from my local fishmonger.
1 lime and 1 lemon
1 orange or blood orange
1 red Jalapeño
Chilli flakes
a handful of crushed pistachios
pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
lots of good quality extra virgin olive oil
Method:
Slice finely your fish and add some salt on top of it. Refrigerate for a few hours.
In a mixing bowl, zest your lemon and the juice of a lime. If you like a pungent citrus taste, feel free to add the juice of the lemon as well. Mix the zest and the juice and pour it evenly on the fish. You can use a brush to make sure all the fish is nicely coated with the mixture.
Now it’s time to prepare the orange. Cut the orange in half (you only need to use half) and remove all the skin. Make sure no skin is left and then peel to get the juicy segment of the orange. Place on the fish.
Sprinkle the Chilli flakes (not too much) and place some fine slices of red Jalapeño.
Sprinkle with the crushed pistachios.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Restaurant review: Zephyr, London
Going to Zephyr was on my radar for a while, potentially one year or so. However, I gave birth 14 months ago and bringing a newborn to a quiet place for lunch isn’t ideal, and I much prefer going to more relaxed restaurants if I bring Queen L with me. Luckily, Queen L started going to nursery recently and I can enjoy an occasional daydreaming lunch on a weekday child-free.
Zephyr is notable for its Greek-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. It offers a casual yet elegant dining experience, featuring both a main restaurant and a moody downstairs cocktail bar perfect for late-night drinks.
The restaurant is named after the Greek god of West Wind, Zephyr. The restaurant offers a stylish and thoughtfully designed interior that varies in ambience throughout the day. The decor includes tasteful elements such as green-stemmed wine glasses, lime green bistro chairs, and an array of crockery that blends modern and vintage styles. Art pieces, including vibrant rectangles of yellow and orange, adorn the walls, adding to the sophisticated yet cosy vibe of the establishment. The quirky artwork and candles on each table create a calm and inviting atmosphere between the guests.
My mum was visiting and we like going to new restaurants and having a delicious meal together. We opted for the Pescatarian tasting menu as we keep kosher when eating out. However, if you enjoy meat and seafood, definitely choose their regular tasting menu. They also offer a vegetarian and vegan tasting lunch menu, which is another bonus.
Our menu consisted of a generous bread basket, which included sourdough, pita bread and bread crisps. We were served Tarama and Tzatziki to dip our different breads. We also had a delicious yellow tail carpaccio and gorgeous beef tomatoes as part of the starters. Our main was the whole grilled sea bass covered in amarillo butter and a crispy potato terrine topped with fresh truffle as a side. We ended our lunch on a sweet note with Saragli.
I hope you enjoyed the twentieth edition of Giselle daydreams. See you next Sunday for the second film of my cinema series!
Giselle xx
This was my reminder to watch more Visconti movies! I love seeing films set in the Risorgimento era, too. Adding THE LEOPARD to my watch list now.