Giorni

I do not mind the unclear motivations of some of the main characters or the questionable choices they made. This is a movie, and movie makers have the freedom NOT to satisfy all my expectations, which I like. Although some of what happened was hard to take, the best parts of this movie far outweigh the darkness.

Several months ago I read how hard it is to get straight Italian actors to play gay roles, but whoever wrote that must not have seen this movie. All the main actors, most of whom I assume are straight in real life, played these gay roles with such dedication and fire that it puts American gay movies and American actors (gay and straight) to shame.

I have hardly ever seen on screen such intense and wholly believable passion as explodes between Caudio and Andrea in this movie. That passion alone explains to my satisfaction everything they did later, and I will rush to defend and recommend ANY movie that puts such passion between two men on film. I drank it in like water in a desert.

"Giorni" presents an intriguing premise in that it takes the side of a patient infected with the HIV virus that encounters love and a kind of happiness with another person that is afflicted with it. While some comments in this forum express opinions about how depressing the whole thing is, we hate to differ. There are indications that Claudio, who loved Andrea, finds himself at the end in a positive way and that he is changed for the best.

This Italian film, directed by Laura Muscardin, presents a sobering aspect of people living with the virus. In fact, we would even go to the extent to say it's a frank and sincere effort about people that live with HIV. These individuals suddenly see how slim their chances are to lead a somewhat normal life in a loving relationship.

Claudio's relationship with Dario is a thing of the past, as the movie starts. He is seen taking the cocktail of medicines that are keeping him alive. When the sincere Andrea appears in the picture, Claudio is taken aback by the way he feels about this stranger that genuinely cares for him. Claudio, in fact, while loving Andrea, is surprised by the way the other man has transformed him for the best.

The performance of Riccardo Salerno, who plays Andrea, is in sharp contrast with the intensity Thomas Trabacchi's Claudio. Both these actors make a pair of credible lovers who, although doomed from the start, still take a chance by loving one another. The Andrea of Mr. Salerno speaks volumes, as he convinces the viewer about his love for Claudio. Mr. Salerno's take on his character endears himself to us because one realizes he is the real thing. Mr. Trabacchi has more opportunities to shine, yet, it's the kind Andrea who stays in one's mind.

The film is a serious attempt by the director, Laura Muscardin, to inject intelligence into the relationship between Claudio and Andrea.

I saw it dubbed and poorly at that. Perhaps seeing it with subtitles would change my impression. Unlike the previous viewer I find it hard to accept that Italians are that different. The motivations don't add up, the characters don't seem believable.

There are some touching moments but it was hard to care anything about anyone in the film. It is always a pleasure seeing a movie with gay characters where the fact that they are gay is a given. And seeing gay life reflected in film always add points for me.

But it is not anywhere near enough. It is hard to say much more about the movie without giving it away. The struggle that Claudio has with his HIV status is clearly one that must challenge anyone who is positive. Its just so unlikely that someone who is portrayed as rigidly as he is would take the actions he does.

Beautifully shot and conceived Italian film about a man with AIDS having to take stock of the reality of what others see as life when he is faced with the reality of a totally different life; a life that he knows will lead sooner, rather than later, to death. The things that always kept his life "stable" fall by the wayside as his reality becomes filled with pills, transfusions, solicitous friends, a caretaker lover, a selfish sister and, finally, the first "free" love of his life.

If you are looking for an uplifting film, look elsewhere. GIORNI is unrelentingly bleak, especially as juxtaposed against the rich color and vibrancy of Rome. As well made and acted as it is, it is far more haunted than haunting. Though one is pulled into the plot and stays involved, the ending leaves you depressed and unfulfilled.

Worthwhile, but not a must!

This Italian work with English subtitles is a tour-de-force examining the problems that a HIV+ individual has in balancing his desire for freedom with his responsibilities and his long term relationship. Claudio (Thomas Trabacchi) has planned nearly his whole life, including a job transfer to Milan. His lover Dario (Davide Bechini) makes the sacrifice and moves a couple weeks in advance of Claudio, to set up the new house. Meanwhile, Claudio approaches his juncture with abandon. He chances to meet an old trick, Andrea (Riccardo Salerno), and the two embark on an impulsive affair.

What is interesting about this movie is the amount which is not said. We never know until near the end how much Dario knows. Claudio and Dario's separation is contrasted by Claudio's intense relationships with his inquisitive mother and sister. Add in a friend (an HIV+ aerobics instructor) who speaks his mind easily, and it seems everyone is upset with Claudio. Everyone but Andrea, that is. Andrea accepts and loves Claudio for who he is, not what he's achieved. Perhaps it's because Claudio has opened up very little to anyone *but* Andrea.

The plot, of which I don't want to reveal too much, speaks volumes about the difference of attitudes between Italy and the USA. If Claudio's characters were an American in an American movie, many would consider him a villain. In Italy, he could be a hero.