The latest from Turkish/Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek. Sort of comfort viewing in a way as it pays homage to Rome and to the cinema at the same time as telling a story of “a might have-been romance” that most of us have and which never prospered due to bad luck or circumstances.
Two gay men meet in a cinema in Rome with the name of this film and they have a brief romance. Enea (Damiano Gaviano) is an aspiring film director and Pietro (Andrea di Luigi), from another part of Italy is studying medicine.
They get separated because of a violent student demonstration in which Pietro is injured and never see each other again. Both recall the magic of their attraction and wonder what would have happened if they had been able to stay together.
30 years later their paths cross again. Enea is injured on set and the surgeon who operates on him is none other than Pietro. At first, they seem oblivious to this but then realise the fact. Both are now in committed relationships, Pietro married to Giulia (Greta Scarano). What will they do?
I found the treatment of this film as low-key Almodovar. Ozpetek is great on décor and creating atmospheres and the melodrama has a touch of Cinema Paradiso and other homages to film about it.
Luisa Rainieri as the box-office clerk of the era has a touching part, knowing that in those days most men went to the cinema for a pick-up rather than to see the classic films.
It is a perfect wet Sunday afternoon film but I was left wanting for more bite and ambition. It does make you regret missed opportunities and in a way the film is an example of this.
Acting is fine and the photography of Gian Filippo Curticelli in golden tones and the music of Andrea Guerra are both apt.
Nonetheless, I felt it needed more bite and punch as Almodovar would give.
3 stars plus
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