1219. La stanza del figlio

La stanza del figlio
The Son's Room
2001
Directed by Nanni Moretti

With only 14 films left, there may be some gaps in postings now as I struggle to secure the remaining titles. I have a couple more I am saving to watch for one reason or another, but after that, I'll have to do some fancy footwork to see the rest of the List. But for now, let's focus on another heartbreaking film: The Son's Room.

The story focuses on a grieving family after the death of their son, Andrea. The father, Giovanni, is a therapist and finds it increasingly difficult to analyze his patients. The mother, Paola, does her best to cope with her agonizing pain, and their daughter, Irene, takes it out on the ref of her basketball games. One day, Paola receives a love letter intended for Andrea, and the family struggles to deal with this fresh complication.

Well, that was emotionally devastating as it was intended to be. It was moving to experience a family's grief. The father, in particular, broke my heart, as in many ways he blamed himself for what happened. It was also accompanied by a beautiful score that complemented the quiet performances very well.

Of course, a movie I wouldn't recommend, but a very effective and graceful film. And I loved the Brian Eno allusion.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Last film directed by Nanni Moretti where he also plays the main character.

883. Caro Diario

Caro Diario
Dear Diary
1994
Directed by Nanni Moretti

The Book states "Exercises in personal filmmaking are sometimes narcissistic and cloying, but that is not the case here."  While I am not sure Dear Diary completely escapes these labels, I still enjoyed this quite a bit.

The movie is divided into three sections.  The first is titled "On My Vespa" which provides a glimpse of Moretti's thoughts and opinions.  The second is "Islands" which depicts Moretti and his friend, a Joycean scholar, attempting to find a quiet island to work.  The final chapter is titled "Doctors" which tells the story of Moretti's cancer diagnosis.

This film is fairly judgmental.  I know this is a serious case of the pot calling the kettle black, as I am rather judgmental myself.  But the "Islands" segment just rubbed me the wrong way.  I think we were supposed to regard it as some sort of tragedy that a great mind would become obsessed with soap operas.  Just do you. If you want to watch soap operas, watch soap operas.  I think I would rather talk to someone who worships The Bold and the Beautiful than someone who worships Ulysses.  That book took years off my life.  Sorry, we have hit upon a pet peeve of mine: people who argue you're not really living unless you are doing x, and not spending your time doing y.  Just leave everyone alone.

Wow, I am really going off the rails.  Let's just end this review by saying I greatly enjoyed "Doctors" and "On My Vespa."

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Moretti won Best Director at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival.