Review of Il Divo (2008) by Kevin W — 23 Mar 2009
An always fascinating, if slightly frustrating film, which demands the kind of knowledge about Italian politics that its titles can't fill in. I wonder how this film plays outside of Italy, though critics have been universally supportive here and abroad.
Incredibly stylish but never surrendering substance to it, it's inspired as much as Scorsese and Tarantino (quite an obvious nod to Reservoir Dogs when Andreotti's inner circle meet as the 7th government is established) as Italian political cinema.
Sorrentino reveals Italian politics as systematically corrupt and instable - witness the chaos in Parliament, but a society and legal system that almost absolves its politicans of any wrongdoing. Servillo's performance is magnificent; with barely a word or expression he holds the film together, a nimble footed Nosferatu figure, which makes you wonder.
...how has he been at the heart of Italian politics for six decades?
This review of Il Divo (2008) was written by Kevin W on 23 Mar 2009.
Il Divo has generally received very positive reviews.
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