Milano Calibro 9 - A Photo Series

Arts+Culture

Apr 15

Channeling the aesthetics of Fernando Di Leo essential 1972 film Milano Calibro 9, Lorenzo Ottone captures the connection between individuals and architecture in Milan.

Milano Calibro 9 portrayed a grey and foggy Milan where concrete buildings look upon mob trafficking in a whirlwind of lust and violence. The film paved the way to a decade of cop-themed works that contaminated Italian pop culture, yet stands out as one of the genre masterpieces for blending action with thrilling and sophisticated psychological drama.

The series, shot on black and white film, aims to capture the cinematic feeling of movement through neat contrasts that make brutalist architecture to stand out - especially the Velasca Tower, a stunning 1956 brutalist building by BBPR architectural partnership, which plays a major role in the film.

Not only the building charms for its modernist, colourful and technological interiors juxtaposed to the raw concrete of the tower’s facade, but it acquires throughout the film a nearly symbolic role. The Velasca Tower appears as a sort of guardian angel for the city of Milan and its people, regardless of their ethos, conduct or actions. Whether you’re a copper or a dealer, it doesn’t matter. The Velasca is the laic, modern upgrade of the golden Holy Mary statute that crowns the Duomo cathedral, sitting just a few blocks down from the tower.

The model's 70s-cut black PVC coat serves the purpose of reflecting lights, augmenting the game of shadows played by the buildings. The overall feeling is that of a contemporary take on a 1970s thrilling or giallo film - à-la Dario Argento - where the camera follows the actress around the city clad by fog in an eerie atmosphere, waiting for something sinister to happen.

Model: Eleanor Rose Thomas

Photography and Styling: Lorenzo Ottone