“Today the Company Asks Us to Be Hyper-Performative, Rich, Beautiful and Without Fragility”
Venice, Italy – August 31, 2025
Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, celebrated for roles in films like The Traitor and Nostalgia, delivered a poignant critique of modern societal pressures at a Venice Film Festival panel on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Speaking at an event for his new film Maria, where he stars as opera singer Franco Corelli alongside Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, Favino remarked, “Today the company asks us to be hyper-performative, rich, beautiful and without fragility.” His words, reflecting on the unrealistic expectations imposed by social media and contemporary culture, resonate deeply in an era dominated by curated perfection and relentless productivity. As the festival buzzes with premieres, Favino’s introspective comments, drawn from his preparation for the role of Corelli, highlight the tension between authenticity and societal demands, sparking discussions on vulnerability in art and life.
Context and Content of Favino’s Statement
Favino’s remarks came during a press panel for Maria, a Pablo Larraín-directed biopic about Maria Callas, which premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Playing Corelli, Callas’ husband and manager, Favino explored the opera singer’s complex relationship with performance and personal struggle. He drew parallels to modern society, stating, “Today the company asks us to be hyper-performative, rich, beautiful and without fragility. Even Maria Callas tried to be like this, but she was human, and in that humanity, she found her greatness.” He argued that the pressure to project an idealized, flawless image—amplified by platforms like Instagram—stifles genuine human connection and vulnerability, qualities he believes are central to art and storytelling.
The actor, 56, contrasted this with the 1950s and 1960s, the era of Callas and Corelli, when public personas were less polished but still demanding. “I prepared for the role by listening to their music, but also by thinking about what it means to be fragile in a world that doesn’t allow it,” Favino said, reflecting on Corelli’s own struggles as a performer overshadowed by Callas’ fame. He emphasized that embracing imperfection, as Callas did through her emotional performances, is what makes art enduring.
The panel, attended by Jolie, Larraín, and co-star Alba Rohrwacher, also addressed the film’s exploration of Callas’ final days in 1977, blending documentary-style footage with operatic reenactments. Favino’s comments struck a chord with audiences, especially younger attendees navigating social media’s curated pressures. Posts on X echoed his sentiment, with users noting, “Favino’s right—society’s obsession with perfection is exhausting,” and “His words about fragility hit hard in a world of filters.”
Quotes from Favino and Festival Attendees
Pierfrancesco Favino: “Today the company asks us to be hyper-performative, rich, beautiful and without fragility. Even Maria Callas tried to be like this, but she was human, and in that humanity, she found her greatness.”
Angelina Jolie, co-star: “Pierfrancesco brought such depth to Franco. His understanding of vulnerability made their relationship on screen so real.”
Pablo Larraín, director: “This film is about embracing the messiness of being human. Pierfrancesco’s words remind us why Callas still matters—she was imperfect and extraordinary.”
Film critic Elena Rossi: “Favino’s critique is a wake-up call. Social media pushes us to perform constantly, but art like Maria shows there’s beauty in fragility.”
Background: Favino’s Career and the Cultural Context
Pierfrancesco Favino, one of Italy’s most respected actors, has starred in over 50 films, earning accolades for roles in The Traitor (2019), where he played mobster Tommaso Buscetta, and Nostalgia (2022). A Venice Film Festival regular, he’s known for introspective performances and advocacy for authentic storytelling. His role as Corelli in Maria required him to study opera and the dynamics of a high-profile marriage, drawing parallels to modern celebrity culture.
The Venice Film Festival, running August 28–September 7, 2025, has spotlighted films tackling human complexity, with Maria among contenders for the Golden Lion. Favino’s comments align with broader cultural debates about social media’s impact—studies show 60% of Gen Z feel pressure to appear “perfect” online, contributing to rising anxiety rates (American Psychological Association, 2024). His critique echoes sentiments from figures like Billie Eilish, who in 2023 called social media a “toxic mirror.”
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Favino’s remarks could spark broader conversations about mental health and authenticity, especially among younger audiences. Maria is poised for awards buzz, with screenings continuing in Venice and a theatrical release planned for December 2025 by Netflix. Favino may expand on these themes in upcoming interviews or at events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
Next, he’s set to appear in The Count of Monte Cristo (2026) and will likely continue advocating for nuanced roles. Social media campaigns around Maria may amplify his message, encouraging fans to embrace vulnerability. The festival’s focus on human stories could influence future projects to prioritize depth over polish.
In conclusion, Pierfrancesco Favino’s critique of society’s demand to be “hyper-performative, rich, beautiful and without fragility” challenges the perfectionism fueled by modern culture, using Maria to celebrate human imperfection. The key takeaway? In art and life, embracing fragility is not weakness but a path to authenticity—urging us to reject curated facades for genuine connection.