Loro - Die Verführten

Why? Because you can quibble with this and with that. But this is a first class film and it must not go unseen.

Sorrentino tells with a lot of irony both satirical and grotesque but also with respect and much esteem the life of Berlusconi, or rather a period of it, probably the most difficult, speculated, polemized and known of his life both private and political and therefore public. Divided into two parts, the second comes out a few weeks away from the premiere, a film that has already discussed long before its release, at the beginning because of its extremely delicate as interesting topic and then precisely because of this questionable, although understandable, division into two films (certainly for reasons of film duration but also and above all for economic reasons, seeing that in this way it could earn almost double) that led the film to be excluded from the official selection for the films in competition at the next Cannes Film Festival, so it was a double edged sword at the end. As for me, after all, I appreciated this choice, even stylistic if we want, because it has made the film, naturally shorter and therefore enjoyable, but also much lighter and with a very reduced risk of boring the public as the rhythm, however, very slow and calm of the whole film. In fact, although it is a comedy with dramatic nuances very slow, especially in the development of the plot that in this first part seems almost hinted, I have never bored or disinterested, indeed thanks to the great talent of Sorrentino with his unique way of frame things and make everything extremely exaggerated and bizarre almost to the limit of realistic but at the same time credible because it is placed in a context that is also extreme; and thanks to an elegant editing that gives the right rhythm to the film and thanks to a modern soundtrack very accurate and atmospheric, the film manages to capture, for its entire duration, the attention of the viewer who remains totally involved. Also thanks to the extraordinary interpretations in the first place that of Toni Servillo who continues role by role to surprise with his innate talent that made him perhaps the best Italian actor of these years, also excellent Bentivoglio and to say the least surprising Scamarcio. Unfortunately, at the end it remains the feeling of having seen an half-film that has said little of what it means and never reaches a climax because it is impossible to by a cut too sharp and strong that makes it incomplete and therefore not very rewarding, Sorrentino it would have to sweeten better, make this division less felt. In short, a little regret at the end remains but at the same time I can not wait to watch the second and last part to see what road will take this interesting and unique project.

This film shows the good and bad sides of the controversial Italian ex prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, and does it in a brilliant way. The mediterranean sunshine, the luxury, the ladies, are the real setting of a real story well worth watching.

Politics is entertainment now. Just one long performance. Witness Silvio Berlusconi who foreshadows the rise of Trump (the two are remarkably similar). Loro satirizes Berlusconi as he starts to lose his grip on power about ten years ago. Under Berlusconi the route to influence and authority is not through enlightenment or better ways of doing business, but trafficking young women, reality shows, lavish parties, yachts and cocaine.

Loro doesn't just take a dim view of Berlusconi, it provides a realistic portrayal of the man. We see the charming salesman who understands human nature and capitalizes on this knowledge. Truth is in tone of voice. "I don't know," says Berlusconi "I understand." Toni Servillo's brilliant performance as Berlusconi heightens this effect. The average Italian, Berlusconi maintains, has the intelligence of second grader. Altruism is the best way to be selfish, for in this way he appears to be good. The ultimate judgement is left to Berlusconi's wife Veronica. "You had the opportunity to help Italy and its people," she says "but you helped yourself instead."

Besides Veronica, there are intriguing portraits of other characters in Berlusconi's orbit. One of them is a very successful, intelligent and beguiling escort. "Girls like me," she says "are stupid when we dream."

Loro provides a fascinating, raw, imaginative and frightening look into the realities of modern politics from the uniquely in-your-face Italian vantage point. It is as wacky as it is cerebral. The film is fast paced and jarring in a good way. Seat shaking base music, rapid dialogue, incredible island villas, stylish clothes, impressive machinery and eye-popping nudity kept me on the edge of my seat. Loro is disjointed at times because there is so much going on, but the general effect is pleasing. The ending of the film is totally unique and perfect for the subject matter; what is important hopefully survives the disaster of modern politics. Knowledge and interest in Italian politics is recommended. Seen at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.

He might be a repugnant individual, but Berlusconi's life is also occasionally terrifying and sometimes sad. He is a dinosaur, unwilling to let go of the glamour and corruption that have become his legacy, a man pumped on viagra, desperate to cheat age and ultimately death - unwilling to accept there is a battle he cannot win. Whether it's possible to make a fascinating study of one so vacuous is moot. It's well made. Whether you care what happens to Berlusconi the 'man' is a whole other matter. But certainly this could be shown in schools around the country - as the study of a personality and life one should never aim to duplicate.