Review of His Secret Life (2001) by Ceph J — 05 Jun 2011

Ferzan Ozpetek was born in Istanbul in 1959, studied in Rome, and this movie, his best by far, is set in Rome. I liked it much better than "Steam" which he's probably best known for in America. The acting by all his actors is excellent but Marharita Buy is perfect as the unknowing wife, Antonia. You can also see the attraction for Michele played lovingly by Stefanno Accorsi.

I liked how Ozpetek keeps the secret intact for 20 minutes and once it's revealed, it shifts to a woman sheltered all her life who needs to experience different things. The "family" who get together in Michele's apartment consists of a trans, gays, straights, and a HIV patient. To Ozpetek's credit, the family is so full of life that I'd like to know them to.

I like Antonia's interactions with her mother which is not as combative like "Terms of Endearment" but feels real. The only minor flaw is that the woman is either too stupid or naive not to have any idea of her husband's "secret life" but with a movie this enjoyable, serious criticism is unnecessary.