We Can Do That (2008) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Nello helps Cooperative 180 move from care work into paid craft, confronting both the promise of inclusion and the costs of conflict and loss.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

From Rejection to Shared Purpose

After backlash over his market-focused book, Nello is transferred to Cooperative 180. Initial friction gives way to an assembly decision to enter parquet installation.

Key Events

• Nello Faces Backlash — Nello faces severe criticism from his comrades after writing about the market. Characters: Nello Location: Milan
• Transfer to Cooperative 180 — Nello is transferred to a cooperative for patients discharged from mental hospitals. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative 180
• Early Friction — Nello encounters initial friction with the cooperative's patients. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative 180
• A Cooperative Vision — Nello tries to involve the patients and explain the cooperative's purpose. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative 180
• Assembly Chooses New Work — An assembly decides to leave care work and become parquet installers. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative 180

A Craft Finds Its Market

The cooperative struggles through an inexperienced first job, then secures an atelier contract. Gigio and Luca turn leftover wood into a star panel, helping the group win further work.

Key Events

• Roles Based on Strengths — Members take roles in the cooperative according to their individual characteristics. Characters: Nello, Gigio, Luca Location: Cooperative 180
• First Job Fails — The cooperative's first installation job fails because the members lack experience. Characters: Nello Location: Work site
• Atelier Contract Won — The cooperative secures a parquet job at a high-fashion atelier. Characters: Nello Location: High-fashion atelier
• Wood Runs Short — The wood runs out as the delivery deadline approaches. Characters: Nello, Gigio, Luca Location: High-fashion atelier
• Star Panel Solution — Gigio and Luca make a star panel from scraps to cover the remaining floor. Characters: Gigio, Luca Location: High-fashion atelier
• More Contracts Follow — The appreciated panel helps the cooperative win more contracts. Characters: Nello, Gigio, Luca Location: Cooperative 180

Success Under Strain

Nello's push to reduce medication meets strong opposition, while the cooperative moves to new premises with Dr. Furlan's support. At Caterina's party, mockery and Luca's fight lead to a painful encounter at the police station.

Key Events

• Medication Dispute — Nello argues that medication dosages should be reduced, but the doctor strongly objects. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative 180
• Move to New Premises — With Dr. Furlan's support and European Union funds, the members move to a new location. Characters: Nello Location: New cooperative premises
• Caterina's Party — Caterina invites Gigio and Luca to a party where her friends laugh at them. Characters: Gigio, Luca, Caterina Location: Caterina's house
• Fight at the Party — Luca loses control and starts a small fight after the guests mock them. Characters: Luca, Gigio, Caterina Location: Caterina's house
• Complaint at Police Station — Caterina tries to have the complaint withdrawn while Gigio overhears her remarks. Characters: Gigio, Caterina, Luca Location: Police station

Loss and a Return to Work

Gigio dies by suicide, and the cooperative returns to its old site as Nello fears the consequences. The matter is closed after the doctor's admission of the patients' improvements, and Nello resumes leadership before the Paris contract and the later six-month update.

Key Events

• Gigio's Suicide — Gigio dies by suicide after the emotional injury; the event is also linked to medication reduction. Characters: Gigio Location: Unspecified
• Return to Old Site — The patients return to the old site under the doctor's assistance, and Nello loses hope. Characters: Nello Location: Old cooperative site
• Nello Returns to Lead — After the matter is closed, Nello overcomes his hesitation and resumes directing the cooperative. Characters: Nello Location: Cooperative
• Paris Metro Contract — The cooperative wins a large contract decorating stations on a new underground line. Characters: Nello, Sara Location: Paris
• Six Months Later — As the Paris work nears completion, Nello manages the group while making time for Sara. Characters: Nello, Sara Location: Paris

Story Breakdown

• Nello's Transfer — Nello arrives at Cooperative 180 after facing backlash for his market-focused ideas.
  • Book Backlash — Nello is attacked by his comrades after writing about the market.
  • New Assignment — He is transferred to a cooperative for discharged mental hospital patients.
• A Cooperative Vision — Nello tries to replace initial friction with participation and shared decision-making.
  • Early Friction — Nello encounters resistance among the patients.
  • Assembly Decision — The group decides to leave care work and install parquet.
• Work Takes Shape — The cooperative learns through setbacks and gives members roles suited to their characteristics.
  • Failed First Job — The first contract fails because the group lacks experience.
  • Atelier Contract — The cooperative wins a job at a high-fashion atelier.
• Art Saves the Floor — Gigio and Luca use their artistic ability to solve a shortage and help the cooperative grow.
  • Wood Runs Out — The remaining wood is insufficient before the delivery deadline.
  • Star Panel — They use scraps to make a panel that covers the floor and is highly appreciated.
• A Personal Crisis — A dispute about medication and a painful social encounter precede Gigio's death.
  • Medication Dispute — Nello wants reduced dosages, but the doctor strongly opposes the change.
  • Party and Mockery — Caterina's friends laugh at Gigio and Luca, and Luca starts a fight.
  • Gigio's Death — Gigio overhears Caterina's remarks at the police station and later dies by suicide.
• Return and Renewal — After the tragedy, Nello regains the chance to lead and the cooperative takes on new work.
  • Back to Old Site — The patients return to the former location, and Nello loses hope.
  • Nello Resumes Leadership — The matter is closed, and Nello returns to directing the cooperative.
  • Paris Project — The cooperative wins a contract decorating stations on a new underground line.

Directed by

Giulio Manfredonia

Key Cast

• Claudio Bisio — Nello
• Anita Caprioli — Sara
• Andrea Bosca — Gigio
• Giovanni Calcagno — Luca
• Michele De Virgilio — Niki