We took it easy on movies in the past couple of days. A bit of rest is needed given the year we just went through. I swear that next year I am back on abonamento and daily screenings. In 2022, this was just not an option.
Whilst taking it movie-easy, (besides being blessed with good friends visiting) we had the opportunity to see a few mind-blowing exhibitions. Anish Kapoor at the Accademia made all the disappointments caused by the Biennale Giardini and Arsenale disappear in less than 10 seconds. I still don’t understand how such “simple” shapes can trigger so much complexity and emotional reaction. A (very) black square is able to make you question how your brain functions and the reality of what you see. Mesmerizing.
We however did not let the Mostra completely down and spent an evening on the Lido, watching two movies that could not be more different from one another. The first one was a “no expectations” one. One of the 5 (if I am not mistaken) Italian movies that are (almost compulsorily, as we are in Italy) part of the official selection. I say “no expectations” because, in 20 years, we have very often seen the worst of Italian cinema in Venice. Sure, sure, not always. But veeeeerrryyyy often, I must say.
The above context made me actually quite appreciate “L’immensita”. Just because it was really not as bad as what we usually see. It did however trigger some debate amongst our little movie team – some finding it more “useless” than others. I, personally, was quite entertained by what I saw on the screen. In a light “relaxed audience” manner – no expectations, no disappointment.
What we all did agree on is that Peneloppe Cruz could work a little more on proving that she is a good actress. But, is she really? That is the question for which I still give her the benefit of the doubt. But acting (according to my little, not professional, humble self) is not only about being stunningly pretty and always playing the same character (a too beautiful, loving but hysterical mother). Acting is about becoming someone else and making that person exist for a couple of hours. For the moment, Peneloppe is definitely (#superverypersonalopinion) not yet worthy of Klara’s Daniel Day Lewis Special Award. But then, only a very few are.
Film number 2, Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” was, on the contrary, a “super-high-expectations-do-no-disappoint-me-this-time” one. I have to say I still did not forgive him his “Mother!” screened some years ago on the Lido. What on earth happened to the guy that time?! Hence, high expectations but with some reserves.
Verdict: Darren Aronofsky is, bless the gods of cinema, back! As he did with Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler”, he dug out a “vanishing” actor, Brendan Fraser, and gave him the role of his life (potential best actor lion alert here).
A lonely but extremely kind man killing himself with food. I believe it is the first movie that I have personally seen about morbid obesity. And for me, it was definitely the right one to start with. Because it is perfectly balanced between the disgust one feels when looking at what Charlie does to his body and the solar person he is inside. Because it is (extremely) tragic and hard but funny and tender at the same time. Because of the excellent cast (Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton – all of them doing an outstanding job around Fraser’s key character). And because it made me cry. Just exactly when, this year, I was not sure that I still had tears in me.
A must see!
Klara's cinema 