Poco più di un anno fa

I am an avid fan of foreign films, so i understand if the dimwits west of the Atlantic Ocean are baffled by what the auteur is depicting in this film.

It is about the soul-sucking world of pornography and how it can leave even its most "Adored" stars empty inside when they decide to not let their "work" define who they are as humans.

While the idea that a stranger could insinuate himself into the life of a child for whatever good-hearted reason, is preposterous, it does exemplify how we as society are unforgiving; even, when we profess to be "christians." GO figure.

I enjoyed the film and can only pity those who judged it for its outside appearances. But, then that is ONLY ONE of the messages that the films delivers...Judge not the book by its cover.

I saw this film at "Outfest," the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian film festival. Yes, the writer/director/star DOES seem to give his face and body a fair amount of screen time. But he plays a porn star! Hello?? Like Mel Brooks might say, "If you got it, flaunt it." The film has some very moving moments, great dialogue, artful performances. All in all, of the half-dozen or so pictures I saw at "Outfest," this one was the best.

I just saw this at Outfest here in Los Angeles. The most unbelieveable aspect of this film is that a gay porn star can become as famous as he is portrayed here. I can't even think of a straight porn star that is that well known, except maybe John Holmes and that was 20 years ago. This movie had a few funny moments but now that I know the star was also the director and writer I understand why it was filmed in such a narcisstic fashion. Every other shot panned up and down the stars body in various stages of undress. This movie tried to imply that there is more to a porn star than what we see on screen (his brother accepting his lifestyle & trying to adopt a kid) but in the end followed the cliche as to what happens to many in real life (drugs, suicide, etc). The actor who played the brother was probably the best actor in this movie but that isn't saying much.

I went to see this film at a film festival recently only because my gay guy friend wanted to see it in hopes of seeing some hot, naked Italians. However, the film proved to be surprisingly serious and not nearly as cheesy as anticipated. There was no full nudity (but plenty of cheesecake to look at for those who want it). I thought the story was really quite sweet though. It focused on the reunion of 30-year old Riki with his estranged brother. His brother learns that Riki is both gay and a famous porn star. Although he is initially horrified, he learns to look past it and love his brother despite his career. Its not nearly as cheesy as it sounds. The film is both funny and sad, addressing the humor inherent in the cheesy porno business as well as the loneliness experienced by this star who is lusted after by millions but loved by no one. I give it an 8 of 10 for being funny, sweet, sad and different.

This was evidently a labor of love (if you'll excuse the expression) for Filiberti who seems to have been involved in all phases of the planning and production. Too bad! It just doesn't come together very well, in large part because the star does not convey in his person or his acting much that is interesting about the life of a porn star. There is some amusement as we watch the reactions of his family when they learn how the son and brother they threw out of the ancestral home in France has earned his living. And it is pleasing to see how he is reconciled with his brother. I found the extras on the DVD more interesting than anything in the film, particularly how simulated sex is filmed to look real. But basically, I'd call this a boring show.