Abel Ferrara Prepares “American Nails” as Neo-Noir Cinema Evolves
Director Abel Ferrara will begin production on his latest project, a gangster drama titled American Nails, in Bari this October. Starring Riccardo Scamarcio, the film explores the rise and fall of a modern woman caught between power, violence, and vengeance. Ferrara confirmed the production while attending the Ischia Global Fest, where he is slated to receive the Luchino Visconti Award.
A Creative Partnership: Ferrara and Scamarcio
The collaboration between Ferrara and Riccardo Scamarcio is a return to a well-established creative partnership. According to details shared at the festival, the two have previously worked together on Go Go Tales and Pasolini. Scamarcio, whose credits include Three Steps Above Heaven, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, and John Wick: Chapter 2, has been attached to the project for several years. The film represents a continuation of Ferrara’s focus on the gritty, high-stakes themes that defined his career in New York and beyond.
Did you know?
Abel Ferrara, who turns 75 this Sunday, recently expanded his artistic footprint by appearing as a villain in the film The Supreme Marty. He describes directing as a “gift” that allows him to pursue other creative endeavors, including writing and poetry.
The Evolution of Independent Filmmaking
Ferrara’s approach to filmmaking remains rooted in a provocative, often oppositional stance toward traditional Hollywood norms. His legacy as a chronicler of underground life is frequently compared to Martin Scorsese, a reputation cemented by seminal works like Bad Lieutenant (1992), which featured a career-defining performance by Harvey Keitel. Throughout his career, Ferrara has maintained a consistent roster of collaborators, including Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, and Forest Whitaker.
Art as a Response to Global Conflict
Beyond his narrative films, Ferrara has turned his lens toward modern geopolitical crises. Discussing his film Turn in the Wound, which focuses on the war in Ukraine, the director emphasized the necessity of on-the-ground reporting. “I wanted to be on the spot to see what was really happening,” Ferrara stated. He described the experience as a confrontation with a “nightmare” era. Despite his bleak assessment of current global leadership, which he characterized as being dominated by a “small group of maniacs,” he remains steadfast in his belief that creative work serves as a “revolutionary act.”
The Ischia Global Fest Connection
For Ferrara, the Ischia Global Fest is more than a professional commitment; it is a return to his roots. Although he resides in Rome, the director identifies as Neapolitan. His family hails from Sarno, in the province of Salerno, and he spent his formative years surrounded by the Neapolitan community in the Bronx.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Abel Ferrara’s next movie?
Ferrara is set to start filming American Nails in October in Bari, starring Riccardo Scamarcio. - Has Abel Ferrara worked with Riccardo Scamarcio before?
Yes, the pair previously collaborated on the films Go Go Tales and Pasolini. - What is the focus of Ferrara’s work in Ukraine?
In Turn in the Wound, Ferrara documents the reality of the conflict and his own interviews, including time spent with President Zelensky. - Who are some of the actors Ferrara frequently casts?
His frequent collaborators include Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, and Giancarlo Esposito.
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