Silvio et les autres 1

...but it's too long, too dull, and not really engaging in any way. even by euro standards, this is just inedible. perhaps a shortened version, that was supposed to be released, could sort of uncover the potential this movie has

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.

Loro 1, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, is an ambitious yet disjointed exploration of power, decadence, and the enigmatic figure of Silvio Berlusconi. The first installment of a two-part saga, the film focuses on the world surrounding Berlusconi rather than the man himself, attempting to weave a narrative of ambition, excess, and moral decline.

Toni Servillo delivers a performance that captures the magnetism and contradictions of Berlusconi, though his character remains more a symbol than a fully fleshed-out individual in this chapter. Riccardo Scamarcio brings energy as Sergio Morra, a character emblematic of opportunism and corruption. While the cast is strong, their roles often feel more like caricatures, serving the film's aesthetic rather than its narrative depth.

Sorrentino's signature visual flair is evident throughout, with opulent set pieces and stylized sequences that create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The cinematography and production design are undeniably striking, but the emphasis on style often overshadows substance. The fragmented structure and lack of narrative cohesion make it difficult for the audience to engage fully with the story or its themes.

While Loro 1 attempts to critique power and the corrupting influence of excess, it often feels more like a voyeuristic spectacle than a profound commentary. The film's focus on surface-level decadence leaves little room for deeper emotional or psychological exploration.

Rating: 5/10 - A visually stunning but narratively hollow first act that struggles to find its footing.

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.

The film lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Please fix the mistake.