The films of director Franco Maresco (“Belluscone: A Sicilian Story”) are an acquired taste, rarely developed by non-Italian palates, and “The Mafia Is Not What It Used to Be” is a prime example. P…
” is a prime example. Playing in the nether regions separating documentary and fiction, Maresco is a humorist who expresses his frustration at Italian politics with absurdism — a legitimate response given how surreal some of the situations can be. His style, however, is abrasive and pandering, while his voice acts as a near constant accompaniment as he “interviews” characters whose benighted pro-Berlusconi attitudes or complacency about the Mafia, as here, are played as farce.
While Battaglia comes away depressed by the banality of the commemorations, Maresco goes to speak with Francesco “Ciccio” Mira, the erstwhile Z-grade showman who’s also an important part of “Belluscone.” Mira puts together shows for local street fairs and low-budget TV featuring a motley assortment of talentless entertainers like Cristian Miscel, a wannabe singer incapable of enunciating or carrying a tune.
It’s highly unlikely anyone outside Italy will find much amusement in the repetitive situations or Maresco’s headache-inducing voiceover . No one can accuse the director of subtlety, though he’d likely counter that the subject doesn’t warrant pussyfooting about. While that may be true, there have been intelligent satires, like those of Sabina Guzzanti, that use surreal humor to attack Mafia apologists and Cosa Nostra collaborators in the highest ranks of government.
Whenever Mira appears, the screen shifts from color to black and white in a reference to a 1990s TV show Maresco made with Daniele Ciprì, but that’s the sort of information to tickle hardcore fans rather than a broader public.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DJ Paul Says Three 6 Mafia Reunion Tour Could Lead to New AlbumThe rapper says if things go well, the group could finally record another album!!!
Read more »
Venice Film Review: ‘Roger Waters Us + Them’If you had to guess which legendary rock and roll artist has a new concert film featuring characters that include “Refugee,” “Drone Pilot” and “Palestinian Girl”, there’s a good chance your guess w…
Read more »
Marinelli, Ascaride win top acting prizes at Venice Film FestivalItalian actor Luca Marinelli won the best actor award at the Venice Film Festiva...
Read more »
A Minute With: Donald Sutherland on working hard and chilling with JaggerDonald Sutherland closes the Venice Film Festival on Saturday with art thriller ...
Read more »
Venice Film Festival Awards Revealed (Updating Live)The 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival closes Saturday night.
Read more »
Climate change activists storm red carpet at Venice Film FestivalSeveral hundred demonstrators took over the red carpet at the Venice Film Festiv...
Read more »