The Mayor viewed a foreign film as it was screened down the hill in the Bay Area. It was an Italian job, focused on a theme that engages an oft felt human fantasy: a twin who leads a completely different life. Have you ever thought about your "twin"?
The director(regista) did a fine job with a tight script, fine cinematography, great editing, and superb acting. The plot revolves around an Italian politician, depressed by recent developments in his left-of-center liberal party. His setbacks have depressed him; he is tired, he wishes to abandon his role in government(a senator). He decides to disappear in plain sight; he seeks refuge with an old girl friend(now married to a famous film director). He tells no one, not even his trusted aide-de-camp. He is due to speak at an important party strategy session concerning the approaching election.
How to do this? Enter the near identical brother, now living in a half way house for mental health patients who are taking appropriate meds. The aide finds him by talking with the senator's wife. The aide is stunned at the identical appearance, the similarities in speech and manner. While having a meal in a restaurant, a news reporter approaches the "twin" and he consents to an interview. He pulls it off with flying colors. Soon, the "twin" is presented as the Senator in his new role.
What follows are delicious scenes that entice the viewers with the audacity of the director to stretch the credibility of the role. We never cross the line of disbelief- the acceptance of fantasy as reality! We 'discover' that in their youth, the brothers had formed a three part relationship with the now married woman with whom he sought refuge. We learn that the Senator's present wife finds the 'twin' more to her liking. And at the end, we find the Senator has returned, but the viewer is left with uncertainty: who is whom?
A fine film in the Italian tradition. With subtitles.
5 *****'s
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