Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Aurelio S. (A) on March 05, 2002 at 13:58:47

Thanks, Victor, for the recommendation.

Finally rented this over the weekend. Hard to believe this film was from the same director, Ettore Scola, who did "Brutti sporchi e cattivi" (aka Down and Dirty).

I've never been a fan of slow moving films (my rule of thumb is: If I can hear a clock ticking in the background for longer than 5 minutes, it's over). The clock was there with this one, but the dialogue was entertaining enough to keep me watching. As it turned out I was glad I dedicated the 128 minutes to it. I was very impressed with Vittorio Gassman's performance as the elderly Carlo, the partiarch who narrates the film which is about his life in an extended Italian family, all living in the same house. The film opens with Carlo's birth in early 1900s Rome and ends on his 80th birthday, much like the film began. I also thought the film had a wonderful script and great camerawork (the shots of the hallway indicating the start of a new chapter in Carlo's life were genious).

In the end, I was glad I watched this film. I may even buy it for my Father, whose 74th birthday is coming up.

It would be good to watch it with him. :)

This isn't necessarily one of those films that you have to run out and watch today, but if you get a chance, then go for it.

3.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Aurelio S.