Italian Film Festival
Comedy? Check. Crime? Of course. Romance? We thought you'd never ask. Emily Mulligan and Brooke Salisbury take a look at this year's Lavazza Italian Film Festival.
The time is nigh to catch some steamy cinema with the Lavazza Italian
Film Festival. The ninth year of the festival offers a seductive blend
of old and new films with 25 newies and 12 golden oldies. The opening
night kicks off with a scathing commentary on modern Italian society
and a thigh-slapping comedy, Her Whole Life Ahead. The lives, struggles
and loves of the employees in an Italian call centre are played out
like a reality-show as philosophy graduate Marta joins their ranks and
takes to the job like a fish to water.
Caravaggio is the biting biography of the famous Renaissance painter
who lived a less than pious life. Take a peek at the underbelly of 17th
century Rome as the contradictions of the famous artist's life and
works are unveiled before your eyes.
Lessons In Chocolate is a delicious comedy with a healthy lashing of
pathos. When a building contractor becomes embroiled in a life or death
career matter he finds himself at a chocolate making course to pacify a
co-worker. Laughs, misunderstandings and mouth watering recipes see
cultures and conflicts dissolve.
The Sweet and The Bitter is a portrait of the life of a gangster from
the country that invented them. The new generation mafia film questions
the impact of the mafia's involvement in Italian society, looking
beyond the average mafia stereotypes.
With 62 uninterrupted years as a parliamentarian, 26 separate court cases, prime minister three times,
there's no question that Giulio Andreotti's life would make for a good
film. Already an award winner at the Cannes Film Festival, Il Divo is
an authentic assessment of Italy's most infamous political figure.
Those eager for an old fashioned Italian romance will find Speak To Me
of Love does nicely. Director Silvio Muccino has adopted his own novel
to film and plays the leading role, garnering huge box office appeal in
his native Italy. A car accident sparks an unlikely friendship that
leads to some sordid affairs and failed attempts at romance.
The Lavazza Italian Film Festival runs Wed 24 Sep-Mon 13 Oct at the
Palace Cinema, 99 Norton St, Leichhardt 2040 and the Palace Academy
Twin Cinema, 3a Oxford St, Paddington 2021. (1300 306 776) Adult $16; concs $13.50; ten film pass
$120; five film pass $65.