The Protagonist
Il Protagonista
Synopsis
Giancarlo Mangiapane is thirty years old and has one single dream: to become a great actor. However, the important roles aren't coming, so Giancarlo ends up acting in his everyday life. One day, his agent tells him he's about to get the opportunity of a lifetime: the lead audition for Clochard, a biopic about the life of Gustavo Noradin, a 1950s tap dance champion who fell from grace due to his addictions. When he discovers that his roommate is also preparing for the same role, a rivalry is born that begins to obsess him. Between exhausting rehearsals, a mother who keeps trying to reach him, and a fearsome casting director, Giancarlo's identification with the character becomes total, to the point of jeopardizing his true identity.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Torino Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Fabrizio Benvenuto
- Screenplay & Story
- Fabrizio Benvenuto
- Original Score
- Antonio Magliarella
- Original Title
- Il Protagonista
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Kobalt Entertainment, MG Production
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Fabrizio Benvenuto
Fabrizio Benvenuto
Antonio Magliarella
Sebastian Bonolis
Stefano Mattacchione
Morena Gentile
Department Leadership Roster
Fabrizio Benvenuto
Director
Fabrizio Benvenuto
Screenplay
Stefano Mattacchione
Editor
Beatrice Giannini
Costume Design
Morena Gentile
Producer
Sebastian Bonolis
Director of Photography
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Protagonist
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Protagonist about?
Giancarlo Mangiapane is thirty years old and has one single dream: to become a great actor. However, the important roles aren't coming, so Giancarlo ends up acting in his everyday life. One day, his agent tells him he's about to get the opportunity of a lifetime: the lead audition for Clochard, a biopic about the life of Gustavo Noradin, a 1950s tap dance champion who fell from grace due to his addictions. When he discovers that his roommate is also preparing for the same role, a rivalry is born that begins to obsess him. Between exhausting rehearsals, a mother who keeps trying to reach him, and a fearsome casting director, Giancarlo's identification with the character becomes total, to the point of jeopardizing his true identity.
Who directed The Protagonist?
The Protagonist was directed by Fabrizio Benvenuto.
Who stars in The Protagonist?
The principal cast of The Protagonist includes Pierluigi Gigante, Morena Gentile, Alessio Lapice, Adriano Giannini, Elisabetta Ventura.
When was The Protagonist released and how long is it?
The Protagonist was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Protagonist?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Protagonist was composed by Antonio Magliarella.