Dias de Nietzsche em Turim

Days of Nietzche in Turin (Dias de Nietzche em Turim) is a considerable attractive movie if you are into Nietzche's work, his life or gorgeous texts combined with strong takes of beautiful sights - and terrific music as well. Because, really, that's about all of it: it is an absolutely actionless movie without a single dialog, just for imagine. Basically, there is no plot, besides of the portrait of Nietzche's life at that period, with his own impressions and Turin's landscapes. Oh, of course, it depicts also Nietzsche's enormous mustache, making you, while getting lost amid the reading of his letters - despite being a very good monologue-like experience -, wonder how he used to ate with that dark bush beneath his nose.

In short, a cult fans and Nietzsche's admirers only. Even so, you might doze off.

This is an unusual, rather radical film about a very radical philosopher. To follow the film, and to appreciate it, one must be very familiar with Nietzsche, late 19th century West European History, and its culture. (selected Wagner music is played throughout the film.)

The film has no real plot. It is a composite of well-known Nietzsche writings voiced over in Brazilian Portuguese to situations in Turin (Italy) and to location shots of Turin, where Nietzsche spent a period of about nine months late in his life. It was a time when Nietzsche was at the height of his delirium, so many of his writings confirming this mental state are especially included.

The director of this film spent a lot of time both in Brazil and in Turin preparing the film. He was helped by his wife - the distinguished professor of philosophy Rosa Dias, who obviously influenced the film greatly.

Between 1995 and 2000, the director shot images of Turin for the film. Unfortunately, these are generally of bad quality (even if for effect - they don't work), and are contemporary, showing Turin today. All the movement towards the sky to avoid cars and skyscrapers being seen are not effective either.

The film is for Nietzsche scholars only. Anyone else, even insomniacs, will surely sleep right through it. The director deserves credit for having taken the chance on such an unusual film, and such an "un Brazilian" theme for a Brazilian movie.

But, the film is ultimately (predestined by its theme) a big bore of a tribute, perhaps even to those interested in Nietzsche and his texts.

Read Luizas comments. Insomniacs will be cured. Some parts of course are more interesting than others of course. Many of the scenes are shot in old Rio buildings in a way to make it look like europe/italy. I like nietshce... but hard film to digest.