As the cameras roll for another spinoff of the popular series ‘Gomorrah’, some Naples locals exhibit signs of fatigue at the persistent thematic focus on lawlessness or ‘malavita’. The repeated emphasis on the darker aspects of their city’s persona prompts the question: ‘Must the depiction of our city invariably hinge on negative images?’ Visitors navigating their way through the soon-to-be demolished public housing towers of Vele di Scampia, a frequent filming venue of ‘Gomorrah’, are hard-pressed to overlook this sentiment.
A recent flashpoint of this increasing frustration was marked by a banner that graced the narrow alleyways of Naples in March, amongst souvenir stores offering Nativity artifacts. The symbolic proclamation read, ‘Naples doesn’t support you anymore,’ clearly addressing the latest production in town, a prequel called ‘Gomorrah: Origins’.
The forthcoming television series traces the journey of the notorious Camorra crime group. Set in the city’s Spanish Quarter, harking back to the tumultuous 1970s, ‘Gomorrah: Origins’ seeks to explore the genesis of the leading criminal organization from ‘Gomorrah’.
The metropolis of Naples, carrying the distinction of being Italy’s third-largest city, hasn’t been able to shrug off the profound pop culture imprint of ‘Gomorrah’. The popularity of the series lingers, emanating from Roberto Saviano’s 2006 gripping non-fiction masterpiece that documented the Neapolitan mafia’s world.
The book not only became a best seller but inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation in 2008, followed by the launch of the successful television series in 2014, which sustained viewer fascination for five seasons. The ‘Gomorrah’ brand expanded further in 2019, introducing two films: the spinoff ‘The Immortal’, and ‘Piranhas’, featuring teenage crime leaders derived from another of Saviano’s novels.
As such, this latest prequel, ‘Origins’, joins a category of narratives spinning the Neapolitan web of lawlessness. And a portion of the population in Naples voices its discontent over the city’s depiction. Gennaro Di Virgilio, an artisanal Nativity shop proprietor from the fourth generation and a resident of the city, encapsulates this sentiment, opining ‘Enough’, upon witnessing another production in motion.
Up until recently, Naples struggled with a stigma attached to rampant corruption and danger, successfully repelling much foreign interest. In the past few years, however, the city has witnessed a surge in tourism. The magnetism of its rich cultural history, her gastronomical delights, and idyllic sun-soaked vistas hold irresistible charm, amplified by the tempting portrayal on social media. This transformation has played a part in defusing some tarnished aspects of Naples’ global image.
Yet, locals face the twin challenges of stubbornly high crime rates and lingering youth unemployment. Although the city continues to lure tourists with its beguiling panache, some residents believe an unfair image persists — one that portrays Naples as the backdrop for Gomorrah and, in effect, depicts its inhabitants as being perpetually engrossed in the ‘malavita’.
Many Neapolitans feel a keen sense of frustration about their beloved city’s recurrent typecasting as a hub of lawless activity. They argue that these portrayals subtly distort the international perception of their home, focusing on aspects of illegality and neglecting the vibrant aspects of life that play out daily in the lively, sun-kissed streets of Naples.
The residents’ worries are not unfounded. They fear that the overriding essence of Naples – its rich historical contributions, its culinary delights, and warm Mediterranean people – may be overshadowed by the persistent narrative of crime that popular culture, such as ‘Gomorrah’ seems to emphasize.
As the filming of ‘Gomorrah: Origins’ carries on, it seems to trigger an underlying tension about the city’s representation. Remaining true to the city’s spirit while maintaining the fascinating lure of the storyline proves to be a fragile balance to maintain.
As delicate as the balance may be, it’s clear that the city of Naples contains a wealth of stories yet untold. It remains to be seen whether future portrayals can develop narratives that both highlight the rich cultural heritage of the city and explore its struggles in a sensitive, empathetic manner.
Ultimately, the hope lies in the city’s capacity to overcome its hardships and change the outside perception, one story at a time. Until then, Naples residents must grapple with the complex task of reconciling their growing discontent with the fascination of the global audience for the myriad tales from the underbelly of their city.