Viva la libertà

Roberto Ando's 'Viva La Liberta' is a beautifully shot political satire: the composition of the images in the film are truly exceptional. It stars Toni Servillo who plays a pair of twin brothers with impressive subtlety: one a burnt-out senior politician who vanished on an unannounced retreat, the other his mischievous twin brother who is drafted in to take his place. The latter uses the techniques of Cosimo di Medici, and rises to a peak of personal popularity through the use of gnomic speeches which allow everyone to project their own fears and desires onto him: he seems to be the first honest politician, even though his words have little underlying meaning. Ultimately the film didn't quite (to me) fully deliver on its premise: there is no single moment of dramatic resolution, and it's unclear whether the final message is actually anything stronger than " a change is as good as a rest". But it's worth watching for the quality of its cinematography and acting.

This film is very entertaining and actually the Italian political scene ... A political crisis ... flees his right arm Bottini agree with his wife replaces, on a bet, with the twin a philosopher out of the madhouse ... Fantastic fun script ... real recited perfectly .... ... anthology from the improvised dance with Merkel under the astonished eyes of Bottini (Mastandrea) and the final Mastandrea who secretly spy to know which of the 2 twins is back ... and the question remains ... beautiful ... Screenplay with wonderful dialogues, director hoc.Una special mention to the interpretations of Tony Servillo (the twins) and Valerio Mastandrea (Bottini as a partner) ... and fun ... sublime expressions, dialogues looks high class of acting. Must see ... Italy ... unfortunately this did went center ... a movie can compete Oscar 2014 ...

The theme of twins exchanging roles is certainly not a new one (Shakespeare anyone?) and in this movie it is used in the contest of the disastrous Italian political and social situation.

Enrico, the leader of the left wing, is dour and introverted. Popular ratings are down and the party blames him for their failure. Under too much pressure, Enrico decides to seek shelter in Paris, crashing into the life of ex lover Danielle, presently married and mother of one.

Enrico's assistant finds out by chance about the existence of an estranged twin brother, the mad philosopher Giovanni, and convinces him to replace Enrico.

Giovanni is outspoken, extroverted and full of philosophical quotes that mean everything and their opposite. Thanks to his way of dealing with the media he gathers huge support.

If anything, this tale should make one despair about the imperfections of democracy (voters choosing a party only because the leader is more "simpatico") and the power of extroversion - even if it is somehow implied that with Giovanni it's not just the way to convey the message, but also the content that changes...

Servillo plays both twins - as one would expect - and although he manages to make "them" almost believable as two different people, I still did not like his performance. I liked even less Bruni Tedeschi as ex-lover Danielle: her character is a ditzy, flaky blonde enjoying a decadent (and cliche') French marriage - the type foreigners imagine as quite common in France, with an abundance of lovers and questionable casual affairs.

The other characters have less screen space, but I liked them more, because I found them better interpreted and believable.

The ending is predictably "open": this could mean that nobody knew how to end the lightweight script - or even worse and ironically - nobody wanted to commit to any definite message, despite the fact that ambiguity is the main reproach against Giovanni (and more generally, against the Italian left wing).

In this movie there are certain minor nuances that you won't probably notice unless you are a well-read and informed Italian citizen. Forget about it: even if you don't have total knowledge of the scenario depicted, this won't stop you from enjoying this funny, surprising story (and furthermore, for all of us living outside the USA, it is not the same with every single baseball or football flick?).

The sky is the ceiling for the acting abilities of Mr. Toni Servillo, who plays the main role. The man is so good, it looks like he could be able to play all the roles in "War and Peace" by himself at the same time: and with good makeups and costumes, I bet he could. Most of the movie is constantly played around the closeups of his face: and it's a good idea, as this guy is able to switch personality just turning his head, or blinking his eyes. Even the other actors and actresses of the cast are very good, with a special mention for Valerio Mastandrea, whose character is the dazed and confused witness of the disaster he creates. The silent gazes he throws around while his world of relations is crumbling down reminded me more than one time the classic comedy of the great Totò.

So, I strongly suggest to go watch this movie to enjoy those great acting performances - no need to know anything about Italian politics: even because, to be honest, given the outcome of the 2013 elections, nobody here can tell for sure anymore where's the difference between reality and fantasy.

Viva la Liberta (2013)

Maybe I'm programmed to like this kind of scenario: a boring politician is replaced with someone who is idealistic and fun, and who tells it like it is. The American version of this is "Dave" which is a hoot. Now we have an Italian version, which is more subtle and poetic. Definitely worth seeing.

The genius here on screen is the actor Toni Servillo who plays both men, the senator and the slightly wacky twin brother who takes his place. It all happens so naturally, with one small twist after another. There are past loves and political foes that factor into both lives equally, to the point that you might not be sure who is who, and if there are in fact two people after all.

But then, that's the magic of how this comedy is made. It is full of laughs, but it's oddly brilliant and philosophical, too. It can be appreciated on a million levels, so just let it seep into your pores.