Il Divo (2008); biopic political drama film review

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.

MINISTERIAL MOB: Andreotti's Ministers of the Christian Democrat Party in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film.

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."

UNTOUCHABLE: Giulio Andreotti (Toni Servillo) always emerges unscathed from electoral battles, criminal charges and terrorist threats in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film. 

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.

SUPPORT: Livia Andreotti (Anna Bonaiuto) has a calming influence over her husband Giulio Andreotti in the film Il Divo. Image: Indigo Film.

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.

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.

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

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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

The Unknown Woman-La Sconosciuta (2006); drama mystery thriller film review

Poster artwork for the drama mystery thriller The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta.

She's Unbeknownst To Them by Linh

Italian director/producer/writer Giuseppe Tornatore, director of the Academy award-winning film Cinema Paradiso -Nuovo cinema Paradiso, continues to display his cinematic touch of the dark, beguiling and emotive in his most recent film The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta.

The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta is a mystery/thriller/drama which gradually reveals the mystery behind a woman's attempt to become close to a little girl from the family for whom she works as a nanny/housekeeper. The unknown woman's past is told in flashbacks, but only as tiny teasers to keep the audience guessing and is confusing at times. Most is revealled in the end as the woman finds herself in over her head and can no longer hide the truth about her past and the reasons for her recent actions. The final scene is set ten years later and shows the happiness and love the unknown woman has been seeking yet it's bittersweet as it took so much pain (and a decade in prison)  to achieve.

Russian actress Kseniya Rappoport stars as the young Ukrainian woman named Irena (also known in the film as Giorgia) who stops at nothing to become the housekeeper of a wealthy Italian couple, Donato and Valeria Adacher, and a nanny to their seven year old daughter Thea. Irena is manipulative, cunning, deceptive and a fabulous cook. She also lies and steals from the Adacher family and succeeds in gaining the trust of their daughter Thea. Rappoport gives a solid performance throughout as the tortured sex slave Giorgia, starting anew as the sinister and troubled Irena who tries to escape her past. Rappoport skillfully steers her flawed character from despicable to desirable to compassionate, making Irena memorable despite audiences knowing very little about her.

SORRY: Irena (Kseniya Rappoport) apologises to Gina (Piera Degli Esposti) for pushing her down the stairs in the film The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta. Image: Medusa Film.

Italian veteran actor Michele Placido, is a scene stealer as Irena's nasty and merciless former pimp and captor, Muffa 'Mould', who returns to seek revenge and money from Irena. It was Muffa who gave her the name Giorgia and had forced her into several years of sexual humiliation, slavery and prostitution, including getting her pregnant nine times and selling her babies. Placido has the remarkable ability to induce fear and loathing towards his character with a combination of gruff voice, sneering facial expressions and a bad temperament.

Mostly recognised for her role in the controversial Mel Gibson-directed-film The Passion of the Christ, sultry Italian actress Claudia Gerini plays the ill-fated Valeria Adacher, who is a skilled jewellery maker and foster mother to Thea. Gerini's portrayal of the suspicious mother who grows fearful of the bond between Irena and Thea is downplayed but commendable. Gerini is at her best, albeit too briefly, as her character fires Irena and becomes a victim of foul play in a tragic scene.

SUSPICIOUS: Valeria (Claudia Gerini) suspects her daughter Thea (Clara Dossena) has been abused in the film The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta. Image: Medusa Film.

The ensemble cast all provide excellent support with Piera Degli Esposti as the elderly housekeeper Gina who befriends Irena only to end up paralysed and in a nursing home; Alessandro Haber is in fine form as the sympathetic porter who becomes close to Irena and helps her get into the Adacher's house; Clara Dossen as little Thea is endearing and engaging. Ennio Morricone's stirring musical scores accompany the film's harrowing and touching scenes. Morricone's musical score is perfectly pitched to accentuate the characters' emotions and sets the mood for every scene.

The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta is a complex, frustrating and dramatically hypnotising film that has a strong emotional impact. Not a family friendly movie despite dealing with many family- related themes such as love, trust and mother/daughter bonding.

TORMENTED: Muffa 'Mould' (MIchele Placido) threatens Giorgia (Kseniya Rappoport) with death if she disobeys him in the film The Unknown Woman - La Sconosciuta. Image: Medusa Film.

Director: Giuseppe Tornatore

Writers: Giuseppe Tornatore (screenplay), Massimo De Rita (screenplay)

Cast: Kseniya Rappoport, Michele Placido, Claudia Gerini, Pierfrancesco Favino, Piera Degli Esposti, Clara Dossena, Alessandro Haber, Nicola Di Pinto

Producer: Laura Fattori

Cinematographer: Fabio Zamarion

Original Music Composer: Ennio Morricone

Film Editor: Massimo Quaglia

  

Production: Tonino Zera (Production Designer), Gaia Zambelli (Art Director), Nicoletta Ercole (Set Decorator)

Language: Italian with English subtitles

Running Time: 1 hour 58 minutes

Film Classification Rating: R 18+ (contains full frontal nudity, sex scenes, child abuse, graphic violence)