'Loro' gives us a 'Young Pope'-style look at Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi—it's a movie that understands its charming, vulgar subject all too well. Our review
The 49-year-old Italian director traffics in a style you might call Vulgar Surrealism, in which highbrow formalism meets an almost hallucinogenic lowbrow spectacle; like Berlusconi’s own T&A-heavy TV programming, there are a lot of naked ladies and neuron-popping sensationalism on display.
Some of it is symbolic and weird, like a sheep dropping dead after watching a soul-sucking quiz show; some of it is Pure Titillation 101, with gyrating hips and writhing bodies staged for maximum grandiloquence. There are a handful of images here, from a showgirl emerging from color-bar curtains to a garbage truck executing a slo-mo swan dive off a bridge, that feel plucked out of a dream.
Like Fellini, Sorrentino is a moral filmmaker who loves using excess for effect . Still, once the film shifts its focus to Berlusconi,becomes a calmer, if not gentler portrait of the art of political seduction. There are still occasional day trips into over-the-top territory — a group of women working out in a gym suddenly turns into a propagandistic music video — yet the phantasmagoria takes a backseat to scenes of good old-fashioned power brokering.
There’s something about the exchanges — and especially the way that Servillo nails the mix of flattery, charm offensives, showmanship and jovial menace — that rings authentic even if you’ve only seen the controversial leader from brief CNN clips. And the actor takes advantage of the opportunity to play the scales with this complicated figure, winding his way through various modes: elder statesman, hurt little boy, sexed-up strongman, weary superstar.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is selling his California estate for nearly $52 million. Here's a look inside the property, complete with a sprawling mansion, a 2-story guest house, and its own putting green.The Italian-style villa spans nearly two acres and was built by the former boxer and his wife, Bernadette, 22 years ago.
Read more »
EXCLUSIVE: Sunglass Hut Taps Sarah Jessica Parker for CollaborationThe Luxottica-owned retailer created one sunglass style, sold in five colorways, a collaboration with the actress and style icon’s SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker line.
Read more »
Celebrity daily edit: Prince Carl-Philip and Princess Sofia's romantic Italian getaway - videoCelebrity daily edit: Prince Carl-Philip and Princess Sofia's romantic Italian getaway - video
Read more »
How to Make Italian ButtercreamA straightforward approach to a classic Italian buttercream that's perfect for frosting cakes.
Read more »
Ezra Miller Unleashes His Wildest Look YetSitting front row at Saint Laurent, the experimental actor made a serious style statement.
Read more »
6 Ways To Make Skinny Jeans Feel Super FreshThese are the most right-now ways to wear levis: R29xLYCRA ad
Read more »