What is the plot of L'abbuffata?

A meta-cinematic exploration of a failed short film production in Calabria.

What are the key story phases in L'abbuffata?

The story of L'abbuffata progresses through these phases: Local Ambition, Rome Quest, Star Arrival, Shooting Night, Project Halt.

Name: L'abbuffata
Genre: comedy
Released: 2007
Rating: 5.2

Three young men from Diamante decide to produce a short film but lack key personnel.

Local Film Ambition — Three young men decide to shoot a short film in their hometown. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Director Search Begins — Realization that a director is needed for the project. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Pressuring Neri — Locals unsuccessfully pressure Neri to direct the film. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Neri's Four-Year Vacation — Neri has been vacationing in the village for four years. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
No Local Actor Found — No one in the village fits the lead actor requirements. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria

After failing to find a director and actor locally, the boys travel to Rome and face rejections.

No Local Actor Found — No one in the village fits the lead actor requirements. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Trip to Rome — The boys travel to Rome to find a suitable actor. Characters: Neri Location: Rome, Italy
Multiple Refusals — They face numerous rejections from potential actors. Characters: Neri Location: Rome, Italy
Actress Referral — An actress suggests her French boyfriend for the role. Characters: Neri Location: Rome, Italy
French Boyfriend Revealed — The suggested actor is identified as Gérard Depardieu. Characters: Gérard Depardieu Location: Rome, Italy
Depardieu Agrees — Depardieu accepts the lead actor role. Characters: Gérard Depardieu Location: Rome, Italy

An actress referral leads to Gérard Depardieu agreeing to star, and preparations begin.

Depardieu Agrees — Depardieu accepts the lead actor role. Characters: Gérard Depardieu Location: Rome, Italy
Shooting Night Setup — Everything is arranged for the film production. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Directors Assemble — The three boys and Neri prepare to direct. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Lead Actor Present — Depardieu arrives for the scheduled shoot. Characters: Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Festive Mood — A party atmosphere surrounds the production team. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria

The crew gathers for the shoot, but an unexpected event disrupts everything.

Festive Mood — A party atmosphere surrounds the production team. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Unforeseen Incident — An unexpected event disrupts the planned shoot. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Film Cannot Be Made — The incident prevents them from making the film. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Vacation Purpose — Neri's long vacation was meant for finding inspiration. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Calabrian Setting — The story is rooted in the Diamante province. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria

The film cannot be made, leaving the production in a state of unresolved anticipation.

Calabrian Setting — The story is rooted in the Diamante province. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Neri Takes Charge — Neri steps into the director role for the project. Characters: Neri Location: Diamante, Calabria
Depardieu Leads — Depardieu anchors the film as the lead actor. Characters: Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Project Abandoned — The short film production is ultimately halted. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria
Film About Filmmaking — The movie itself documents this unrealized project. Characters: Neri, Gérard Depardieu Location: Diamante, Calabria

Local Production Ambition — Three young men initiate a short film project in their hometown.
- Missing Director — Realization that a director is required.
- Casting Dilemma — No local actor fits the lead role.
Neri Vacation Context — Neri's long-term stay in the village provides a backdrop.
- Four-Year Stay — Neri has been vacationing locally for years.
- Creative Inspiration — Vacation intended for finding artistic ideas.
Rome Casting Quest — The boys travel to the capital to find talent.
- Initial Rejections — Multiple actors decline the lead role.
- Actress Referral — An actress suggests her boyfriend for the part.
Depardieu Involvement — A famous French actor is brought into the project.
- French Boyfriend Link — Connection established through the actress.
- Lead Actor Agreement — Depardieu accepts the starring role.
Shooting Night Preparations — Final arrangements are made for the production.
- Crew Assembly — Directors and actors gather on set.
- Party Atmosphere — A festive mood surrounds the shoot.
Unexpected Disruption — An unforeseen event halts the planned filming.
- Unforeseen Incident — Something unexpected occurs on set.
- Production Halt — The film cannot be completed.
Meta-Narrative Reality — The film documents its own unrealized creation.
- Film About Filmmaking — Self-referential documentary style.
- Unrealized Project — The short film remains unfinished.