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| Poster artwork for the biopic political drama film Il Divo. |
Teflon
Man
by Linh
Il
Divo
is not a film about the popular operatic quartet (brought together by pop
impresario/ American Idol judge Simon Cowell in 2004), but does have a
scintillating soundtrack featuring classical music. The film's full title is Il Divo: The Extraordinary Life of Giulio
Andreotti - La straordinaria vita di Giulio Andreotti, and depicts the
political career of Italian politician Giulio Andreotti from 1978 to 2004,
which includes the allegations of his links to the Mafia leading to trials and
appeals before being acquitted. Andreotti has been Prime Minister of Italy
seven times, eight times Minister of Defence, and five times Minister for
Foreign Affairs after forming the Christian Democrat Party.
Director and writer Paolo Sorrentino makes a courageous
move by choosing one of Italy's most controversial and significant political
figures upon which to base a film, especially since Giulio Andreotti is still
alive (aged 89), active in politics and has been made a Senator for life in
1991. Sorrentino's direction has an exciting recklessness yet an intensity to
arrest the audiences' imagination. Teaming with talented cinematographer Luca Bigazzi,
Sorrentino has given Il Divo a
combination of clever and humourous sequences in editting and camera
techniques, including crazy captions which change direction and flip in
reverse.
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MINISTERIAL
MOB:
Andreotti's Ministers of the Christian Democrat Party in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film.
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Il
Divo begins with graphic sequences of seven deaths
(journalists, judges and politicians) which are related to the abduction and
assassination of Aldo Moro, Chairman of Andreotti's Christian Democrat Party.
Andreotti was blamed for Moro's death after he refused to negotiate with the
terrorist group The Red Brigades, who later murdered Moro.
Andreotti was cleared of Moro's death after further
investigations. Following many more deaths, disappearances and corruption
charges against Andreotti, it seems like nothing can tarnish his reputation or
taint his political career.
Debonair Italian actor Toni Servillo is barely
recognisable under the heavy makeup (a similar effect achieved on Marion
Cottilard in La Vie En Rose) in the
role of Giulio Andreotti. Andreotti has an oddly shaped body, a large head that
seems to be attached to his hunched over shoulders without a neck, and an
expressionless face with thick glasses. Servillo is superb as the deeply
religious and enigmatic statesman with some funny or though-provoking
one-liners such as "A tree needs manure to grow" or "I don't
believe in chance, I believe in the will of God."
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UNTOUCHABLE:
Giulio Andreotti (Toni Servillo) always emerges unscathed from electoral
battles, criminal charges and terrorist threats in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film.
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Amidst the turmoil in his political life, Andreotti's
private life is more stable with his sensible and loving wife Livia always
there for him. Anna Bonaiuto portrays Livia Andreotti with elegance and grace,
and although has a small role in the film, she makes a big impression onscreen.
The supporting cast is impressive and consists of
Andreotti's large team of ministers with dubious nicknames. Many of whom have
been implicated in various crimes and misdemeanours and have been prosecuted,
yet Andreotti remains untouched.
Carlo Buccirosso is delightful as the pedantic Budget and
Economics Minister Paolo Cirino Pomicino; Paolo Graziosi as the tormented
captive of the Red Brigade, Aldo Moro is compelling; Aldo Ralli is suitably smug
as Giuseppe Ciarrapico, a jovial and dodgy businessman who joined Andreotti's
Party after leaving the Italian Social Movement; and Piera Degli Esposti plays
Andreotti's loyal long-time secretary Vincenza Enea Gambogi with gentle
candour.
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SUPPORT: Livia
Andreotti (Anna Bonaiuto) has a calming influence over her husband Giulio Andreotti
in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo
Film.
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The film's soundtrack is eclectic with well chosen music
to accompany the scenes, from Andreotti's face off with a white cat to the
various murder scenes. Classical music buffs would instantly recognise
compositions from Sibelius, Vivaldi, Fauré and Saint-Saëns, while more
contemporary songs such as Beth Orton's 'Conceived' and 'Da Da Da' from German
band Trio also feature. Yet it's the film's original score that stands out and
composer Teho Teardo has created several compositions played for humourous effect
or to enrich the darker moments.
Il
Divo may throw large volumes of information at the audience at
high speeds, yet somehow the film remains entertaining. Il Divo has wonderful performances, commentary on political
corruption, the relationship of the Catholic Church with politics, the Mafia
connections and an interesting insight into one of Italian politic's most
influential and enduring former Prime Ministers.
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LONGEVITY: Giulio
Andreotti (Toni Servillo) performs his Prime Ministerial duties without
arrogance and without fear, while believing God is on his side in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film.
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Director: Paolo
Sorrentino
Writer:
Paolo Sorrentino (screenplay)
Cast: Toni
Servillo, Carlo Buccirosso, Anna Bonaiuto, Paolo Graziosi, Flavio Bucci, Piera
Degli Esposti, Aldo Ralli, Massimo Popolizio, Giorgio Colangeli, Achille
Brugnini
Producers: Nicola
Giuliano, Francesca Cima, Andrea Occhipinti, Maurizio Coppolecchia, Fabio
Conversi, Stefano Bonfanti, Gianluigi Gardani
Cinematographer:
Luca Bigazzi
.
Original
Music Composer: Teho Teardo
Film
Editor: Cristiano Travaglioli
Production: Lino
Fiorito (Production Designer), Alessandra Mura (Set Decorator)
Costume
Designer: Daniela Ciancio
Language:
Italian with English subtitles
Running
Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
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