Review of Il Divo (2008) by Daniel P — 24 Oct 2010

Before Berlusconi, Italy had another PM whose leadership was tainted by scandals, named Giulio Andreotti. "Il Divo" is a hyper-stylsed pitch-black comedy by Paolo Sorrentino and focused on Andreotti's latter years (he's still alive to this day) during early 1990s.

Andreotti is a scary figure. Nobody really liked him, but nobody could touch him either. While his opponents and peers died (either murdered, commited suicides, or just plainly kicked the buckets), he stood tall unharmed.

But it's not biopic. It's also not a political history. It's really about the enigma of a man, disputed by connections to political assassinations and mafia.

And here where the casting marvels. Toni Servillo, as Andreotti, shows a remarkable restraint in playing the PM, who rarely shows emotions and barely speaks above whispers. It's a subtle comic performance that can be misunderstood as dramatic underacting. And it's really a joy to watch.