danielasegreto

Dante Alighieri,in the thirteen century, spoke of Italy as if it were a woman. This is what he wrote: " Italia,not a provincial woman, rather a brothel". And yet so many beautiful masterpieces have been created in this shamble of a country. The problem lies in the sad awareness that over the last 50 years nothing special has been created whereas so much has been destroyed. Moretti talks of a generation, strongly influenced by Berlusconi, that has been brainwashed into stupidity, greatly via the media, owned by the above mentioned, that is not capable of seeing the reality for what it is, but only for how it is represented, by only a selection of TV channels. Any one who dares speaking differently from him or his subjects is quickly displaced and removed. Not much of a democracy, Italy has become.. No wonder Nanni Moretti doesn't seem too happy; who, in his right mind would? thank god he is only 50 and not 80. We will hopefully see more good things from him for a while.

I utterly enjoyed this movie, in all his aspects: the acting is truly realistic, the lead actors seem born to be con-men, the screenplay is detailed yet simple, giving the viewer a chance to play Sherlock Holmes (as I did), in the process of guessing the real plot behind the facade. Yet, by guessing, you don't think you have done it because the movie is predictable. On the contrary, it boosts your self esteem, as you think you have been really clever. Throughout the whole movie, I was never once bored or distracted, and I particularly liked the perceived lack of musical background, as if it didn't need it as most movies seem to do, nowadays. David Mamet wouldn't have anything to say against this film, in fact, it could have easily been conceived by him. Less elegant than his movies (see "the house of games"),but probably, for the same reason, closer to the true idea of a con-man's mind and image. Especially as it is set in sunny, latin Argentina. Loved it.