Review of Malena (2000) by Alex C — 06 Nov 2010

It's not even one of the least best works of Tornatore, but I can still cope with it. It still has a style similar to his past works, but I almost got my head blown up with its unnecessary fast-cutting; this is a kind of film that if it never knew a technique named cut, it would be one great pictures to remember. But it do, and that's makes it more unpleasant to watch. But hey, a film isn't all about technical.

I must say, the story is kind of unique in a way of its characters communicate to each other. There's a large cast and to be honest, I think they are "the lead actor" in this film. The story is built in chronological order and includes many "whispers". The people in town -the men, the women, the kids- are communicating through word-of-mouth way, developing the plot line and eventually, leading the story to an end. For the sake of creating a story, there are two protagonists here; Malena and Renato. Both are depicted individually, separated by their own alienation of the town. But in an unique way (or erotic way), they are communicating. Renato fills his dream every night with Malena, while watching her from afar as time passes by. On the other hand, Malena, as largely unaware of his presence, feeds him with stories through word of mouth from the town's people. And to one's wit, actually nothing of it all has credibility to begin with, but somehow the two characters are successfully pushed through it.

The film ends with Renato speaking to her, telling her good luck and for all Malena's care, she could have thought that he's just another boy from the town. But Renato developed his feelings toward Malena for years in and through silence, and when he finally speaks to her, he actually pays all those years worth of all courage he ever had.

This is not a good movie technically, but the story delivers a classic tone in which the audience is caught in awe with its stage where the story happens. It's more like a babbling tale, a similar style to 1900. I like it a lot, especially since the movie isn't really talking to us.