Long Live Freedom (2013)

Good concept, poorly executed.

As Good As It Gets

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

This movie about a left-wing Italian politician, draws on familiar and brilliant material: comedies about twins being confused with each other (Plautus), the stunning Arabian tale of Abou Hassan or the sleeper awakened (an ordinary guy gets to be Caliph for a day), the WW I movie King of Hearts, Being There with Peter Sellers, and Dave. As his party faces voter disaffection, the politician goes into hiding in France and his look-alike brother, a mental patient, takes his place to lead the party and rally the voters. Toni Servillo does an excellent job playing both brothers and succeeds in making them look and act very different from each other. The problem lies in the writer/director's uncertainty where to take the story; this uncertainty is reflected in the vapid and vague speeches that the (fake) politician delivers--it is hard to believe that any voters would be moved by this cliched drivel. Is the author/director therefore making fun of politics? Are we supposed to be charmed and amused by these speeches or to recognize their emptiness? What is the writer/director trying to tell us about politics and about the Left in Italy? And the politician's French love interest is also annoying and unconvincing. After a promising start with an engaging premise, the movie peters out in a disappointing way.

Roberto Ando's 'Viva La Liberta' is a beautifully shot political satire: the composition of the images in the film are truly exceptional. It stars Toni Servillo who plays a pair of twin brothers with impressive subtlety: one a burnt-out senior politician who vanished on an unannounced retreat, the other his mischievous twin brother who is drafted in to take his place. The latter uses the techniques of Cosimo di Medici, and rises to a peak of personal popularity through the use of gnomic speeches which allow everyone to project their own fears and desires onto him: he seems to be the first honest politician, even though his words have little underlying meaning. Ultimately the film didn't quite (to me) fully deliver on its premise: there is no single moment of dramatic resolution, and it's unclear whether the final message is actually anything stronger than " a change is as good as a rest". But it's worth watching for the quality of its cinematography and acting.

Viva la Liberta (2013)Maybe I'm programmed to like this kind of scenario: a boring politician is replaced with someone who is idealistic and fun, and who tells it like it is. The American version of this is "Dave" which is a hoot. Now we have an Italian version, which is more subtle and poetic. Definitely worth seeing.The genius here on screen is the actor Toni Servillo who plays both men, the senator and the slightly wacky twin brother who takes his place. It all happens so naturally, with one small twist after another. There are past loves and political foes that factor into both lives equally, to the point that you might not be sure who is who, and if there are in fact two people after all.But then, that's the magic of how this comedy is made. It is full of laughs, but it's oddly brilliant and philosophical, too. It can be appreciated on a million levels, so just let it seep into your pores.

In this movie there are certain minor nuances that you won't probably notice unless you are a well-read and informed Italian citizen. Forget about it: even if you don't have total knowledge of the scenario depicted, this won't stop you from enjoying this funny, surprising story (and furthermore, for all of us living outside the USA, it is not the same with every single baseball or football flick?).The sky is the ceiling for the acting abilities of Mr. Toni Servillo, who plays the main role. The man is so good, it looks like he could be able to play all the roles in "War and Peace" by himself at the same time: and with good makeups and costumes, I bet he could. Most of the movie is constantly played around the closeups of his face: and it's a good idea, as this guy is able to switch personality just turning his head, or blinking his eyes. Even the other actors and actresses of the cast are very good, with a special mention for Valerio Mastandrea, whose character is the dazed and confused witness of the disaster he creates. The silent gazes he throws around while his world of relations is crumbling down reminded me more than one time the classic comedy of the great Totò.So, I strongly suggest to go watch this movie to enjoy those great acting performances - no need to know anything about Italian politics: even because, to be honest, given the outcome of the 2013 elections, nobody here can tell for sure anymore where's the difference between reality and fantasy.