Review of Vincere (2009) by Tom B — 11 Jul 2011
Mussolini's secret life revealed in an arty, washy and self indulged TV style movie.
Italy, 1900's, and a moustachioed Mussolini's heated relationship with first wife Dasler is the theme. Mezzogiorno although excellent, is an awful choice to play fascist leader Benito Mussolini - he looks nothing like him for a big start. The film focuses on a certain period, and paints Mussolini as a dark, deep monster - after all he later has a denied child with her and gets her sectioned in an asylum. Mussolini is kept at arms length, this is frustrating and a pity.
Cinema screens feature heavily, as do black and white historic reel images. There is a lot of shouting, passion and tension. It looks like a costume drama or a period drama love story being TV drama-esque. It has received rave reviews, probably from cult art-house movie critics and historians. I have to contest these praises, as the common man will bore of this film's ambitions.
There is a period of mild nudity and sex (verging on creepy and soft porn) and this all adds to create a confusing, trying too hard, dull, specific/limited film.
There are questions as to the historical accuracy, and the film feels slightly like political leader propaganda and/or glorification of Il Duce. .
This review of Vincere (2009) was written by Tom B on 11 Jul 2011.
Vincere has generally received positive reviews.
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