Silvio Berlusconi: that time on the set with Vanity Fair

July 2004. I am sent by the Director Carlo Verdelli at Villa Certosa to photograph Barbara and Eleonora Berlusconi (at the time called «le berluschine»). A blitz in the day with the photographer Fabrizio Ferri. That Silvio Berlusconi was there was not foreseen. And instead…

First curtain: Berlusconi welcomes us like an exquisite host and offers us a tour of the estate. The rider driving a golf cart, Ferri and I on board. Half hidden among the plants, a dozen armed guards in camouflage (not exactly relaxing); at a certain point the irrigation system starts and Berlusconi, caught off guard, he shouts «Everyone down!».

Second curtain: we are at home, Barbara and Eleonora are ready. I ask the Knight if he likes to take a shot with his daughters. He disappears for a moment to redo his greasepaint. It’s way too much and I beg him to tone it down a bit… “my shirt collar gets dirty,” she replies. And I, without thinking about it: «You’ll have a spare one, Doctor, right?».

Third curtain: lunch break. Berlusconi as a true host, makes us find a table in the garden set with every local delicacy. “Are you staying with us, Doctor?” I ask him (I called him Doctor as his trusty Lina, the trusted wardrobe-keeper, had suggested to me). «I can’t, I have an appointment with the lawyers… You know how it is, I see them often» she replies slyly.

Fourth curtain: we say goodbye and he gives me the last record made with Apicella telling me «when you listen to it, dear, please think of me».