Are you interested in true crime or do you want to get more insight into some specific cases? If so, keep reading because this article is perfect for you! On Sunday, October 29th, I got the opportunity to attend a meeting with journalist Stefano Nazzi at the FIPILI Horror Festival. An expert in Italian and international true crime cases, the audience was treated to an interview about his new book, Il Volto del Male (The Face Of Evil), published earlier this year. In this post, I'd like to introduce you to the author and his work, sharing some of my insights from the interview. Plus, stick around until the end for a sneak peek at one of my upcoming posts.
That being said, enjoy this article.
The festival
The FIPILI Horror Festival in Livorno, which reached its twelfth edition in 2023, is a unique event that celebrates fear through cinema, literature, and contemporary art. The festival showcases premieres of horror, thriller, fantasy, and science fiction films, along with screenings of short films, meetings with national and international guests, literary readings, masterclasses, and creative workshops. Moreover, the festival hosts competitions for short films, stories, and poems related to the theme of fear, actively involving young authors and high school students from Livorno. Over the years, the festival has attracted numerous prominent artists from the realms of cinema and literature.
Stefano Nazzi: Il Volto del Male
Stefano Nazzi is a journalist renowned for his extensive experience in the field of current affairs and true crime. He has contributed to major national publications, delving into a variety of high-profile cases, including those less known. Presently, he serves as a narrative journalist for Il Post and has gained recognition as the creator and author of the popular podcast Indagini (Investigations), which consistently ranks high in the charts. Moreover, on May 9, 2023, he published his book titled Il Volto del Male with the renowned publishing house Mondadori.
The premise of the book is particularly intriguing as it taps into readers' curiosity. Often, we wonder, 'Why did they do it?' in the face of heinous crimes, especially when they seem senseless. It's natural to think that evil is connected to madness or a sudden homicidal impulse, but reality is more complex. Stefano Nazzi demonstrates that every act of violence, even the impulsive ones, has roots over time.
In his book, Nazzi recounts ten unsettling stories of individuals guilty of heinous crimes in Italy. These individuals, both well-known and obscure, become monsters, and no one suspects what's happening around them. Evil spreads like a stone thrown into a pond, causing pain to victims and those around them. The circles of evil do not dissipate quickly; sometimes, they last forever.
The interview
As mentioned in the introduction, during the interview, journalist and author Stefano Nazzi delved into the most heinous cases of Italian crime from the last 40 years, drawing from his recent book Il Volto Del Male, published in Mondadori's Strade Blu series. The event was moderated by Michele Innocenti and Enrico Battocchi. Stefano Nazzi, a prominent figure and the curator of the popular podcast Indagini on Il Post, offered in-depth insights into these cases, providing a detailed analysis of the crime stories that have deeply affected Italy. Throughout the interview, he shared insights into his work methodology, the influence of media on true crime cases, and some technical details about the legal system, illustrating his points with concrete examples. In the following paragraphs, I will highlight some of the main points covered by the author.
What powers do the media and newspapers Have in true crime cases?
One of the extensively discussed topics in the interview is the comparison between traditional and non-traditional information methods and their influence on case resolution. Stefano Nazzi emphasized that media and newspapers possess the capability to transform the public into an 'informed jury' in true crime cases by offering comprehensive details, invoking empathy and engagement, presenting multiple perspectives, and addressing societal issues. However, this must be executed responsibly to avoid biases and sensationalism. Their role is crucial in informing and engaging the public, shaping their conclusions not solely based on media details but also on how these details are presented.
Another significant theme emerging from the interview is the media's power to revisit verdicts and resolve cases. Numerous series and podcasts dedicated to unsolved cases or legal injustices have demonstrated the ability to sway public opinions, prompting a reevaluation of cases by relevant authorities. Nazzi advocates for precision in this process. While he acknowledges the importance of respecting a verdict and avoiding personal judgments, he believes that when concrete evidence surfaces, it should be challenged.
Furthermore, an underlying aspect of media influence in true crime revolves around human nature itself. The journalist justifies the public's interest in grisly cases by pointing to our innate curiosity. Those engrossed in this genre aren't necessarily driven by a hidden 'dark side'; at times, they seek information for reassurance, aiming to comprehend a phenomenon that is extraordinarily violent and represents a minority aspect of daily life, which otherwise might be perceived as frightening and incomprehensible.
What are the risks of media in true crime cases?
Despite his work in the realms of podcasts and newspapers, Stefano Nazzi acknowledges the hazards and negative facets of the media within true crime cases. He notes the prevalence of false articles that prematurely proclaim case resolutions, yet in reality, the cases remain unresolved. An illustrative example is the case of Emanuela Orlandi, which, despite numerous headlines promising the 'truth,' turned out to be fake news, without a conclusive resolution.
Frequently, the media constructs narratives, sometimes unsubstantiated, aiming for notoriety or financial gain. This practice compromises the objectivity and accuracy of the information offered to readers and viewers. The underlying reason is the attempt to fashion cases in a way that captures people's interest. Nazzi emphasizes the vital need for the media to engage a broader audience, but this pursuit should not overshadow the commitment to truth, as distorting narratives can misrepresent true crime cases.
As he highlights in the interview, the motivations behind gruesome acts are not always sensational. For instance, he mentions the case of three girls who committed a senseless, cold-blooded murder for no apparent reason. Their motive? Boredom. Nothing more, nothing less. It's unrealistic to assume that every story has a startling motive, as sometimes the path that leads to these acts is remarkably mundane.
What are the analogies between the American and Italian legal systems?
As emphasized multiple times by Nazzi during the interview, the Italian and American legal systems exhibit various differences, yet they also share notable similarities. For instance, in both systems, the role of the lawyer is pivotal in securing a case. However, this centrality of legal representation can lead to instances of injustice, as not everyone can afford a sufficiently competent lawyer due to the high costs. The case of O.J. Simpson is an example cited by the journalist to illustrate this point, shedding light on the American legal system. In the United States, the construction and presentation of a case can sometimes hold more significance than the actual evidence, often fueling intense public debates. Contrarily, the Italian legal system tends to place less emphasis on legal theatrics, prioritizing concrete evidence over media narratives. While not all cases strictly adhere to these principles, the influential role of lawyers significantly shapes legal practice in each country.
What is the role of cinema and television in case presentation?
In a festival centered on the world of cinema and entertainment, it's natural to draw a connection between the work of a journalist and the portrayal of cases in movies and TV series. According to Stefano Nazzi, cinema and television play a significant role in presenting true crime cases, but they can also influence the perception of reality. The representation of a person through video or film can be distorted, often creating a skewed reality. Fiction in these depictions tends to follow a linear plot, whereas in reality, cases often develop chaotically and span longer timeframes, unlike the condensed narratives seen on television. Errors, standstill moments, and misguided investigations that are integral to real cases are often omitted from planned movie storylines.
Moreover, when asked whether he prefers to cover cases in real-time or retrospect, Nazzi expressed that dealing with cases in real-time can lead to speculations and distorted narratives, potentially misguiding the understanding of facts based on unverified evidence. In this scenario, the case loses its authenticity, transforming into a television story detached from reality and open to personal interpretations. For this reason, he prefers handling cases in retrospect and believes that this should be the approach in creating TV series and films, ensuring the availability of all verified information.
What is the world of podcasts really like?
In addition to providing insights into the realm of journalism and true crime, Stefano Nazzi offered insights into the behind-the-scenes world of podcasts. Specifically, he was asked about tensions or conflicts between different podcasts covering similar topics. However, he swiftly dispelled this notion, asserting that the public's perceived rivalry is entirely fabricated since there are no specific competitions or animosities. He admits to drawing inspiration from some of his colleagues, admiring them while acknowledging the differences in their styles.
Finally, addressing the audience, Stefano Nazzi announced that, following numerous requests, one of the upcoming cases he will cover in his podcast is the 'Monster of Florence.' He mentioned that, if presented with the opportunity to attend a trial from the annals of true crime history, he would likely opt for this case.
My impressions
Lacking specific knowledge of Nazzi's work or the podcast world, I attended the guided interview solely due to my interest in true crime. Needless to say, I have no regrets. The author provided the audience with a detailed view of the most famous cases in Italian and international history, linking them to aspects of life often taken for granted, such as representation on social media, in newspapers, and in the world of cinema. He emphasized the importance of objectivity while acknowledging the need to cater to human curiosity, all while stressing the responsibility of journalists, writers, and other media personalities in presenting true crime cases.
The interview offered various points for reflection. As someone intrigued by the world of cinema and fiction, I particularly pondered the role of television in portraying these cases. However, I didn't focus solely on their influence on the narrative's perception. I delved into the ethical implications of TV series and films centered around the figure of a criminal, often a serial killer. As I explored the biographies of the murderers these series depicted, I noticed a commonality among these individuals: their narcissism and the explicit or implicit desire to be remembered and immortalized over time. Considering this realization, it's natural to question the ethicality of producing films or TV series about their lives. It's evident that some of them sought recognition, regardless of whether it was for negative actions or otherwise. Hence, my question arises:
Is it ethically correct to portray serial killers in the world of cinema and television?
Join me to explore the answer and read my article on this topic.