Image: Photo: Gianni Fiorito
If this was a fictitious story about a middle-aged Italian politician with his heart in the right place but his other organ constantly in the wrong place, then it might be seen as an empathetic, intuitive character study. But this biopic by Paolo Sorrentino is about Silvio Berlusconi – one of the most indefensibly corrupt, lascivious, egomaniacal Italian politicians since Caligula.
Lora 1 (it’s a two-parter with part two due around May) depicts the life of Berlusconi from 2006 to 2010. Using the side-story of Sergio Morra (Riccardo Scarmarcio), an entrepreneurial pimp who wants to befriend the president, the film spends a lot of gratuitous time on wild parties attended by nubile women. When it focuses on Berlusconi, played convincingly by Toni Servillo, it depicts a benevolent, wise, romantic soul who has a few flaws.
The way the film handles the Aquila earthquake is galling given Berlusconi’s true, egregious response.
The sets and scenery are stunning and the performances can’t be faulted. There are some genuine laughs, but the film is too long and too Berlusconi-friendly by at least two stars. (RB)
★★1/2
