I Am Alive (Sono Viva)

What’s it about?
I wondered what on earth I was letting myself in for when I read the synopsis which said this was a film about a man who agrees to guard a dead woman (Silvia) for one night in an isolated Villa. I was completely unprepared for such an emotionally intense film, where a man (Rocco) completely out of control of his life, finally finds purpose. There is immense chaos and resentment simmering below the surface of the Resti family which comes to a head immediately after Silvia’s death; Rocco takes control of the lives of three generations of the family and does his best to resolve their emotional scars. And in doing so you feel he finds the strength to fight back against all the misfortune life has been dealing him.

Highs n lows
Massimo De Santis gives a very strong performance as Rocco, carrying the entire film almost on his own, you immediately engage with his put upon character. He often manages to convey a multitude of thoughts and feelings in silence, gesture and body language alone sufficing to tell you this is a man at the end of his rope. Dark and moody cinematography mirrors the tone set by De Santis, which is lifted by an engaging script, always with the underlying threat of violence and a surprise at every turn. Very enjoyable.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 (Italian with English subtitles)

BFI’s Back

BFIs 52nd London Film Festival hits cinema screens across London from 15 – 30 October. With a cracking range of movies from the controversial W to the much awaited Quantum of Solace. View the programme at www.bfi.org.uk/lff and check back here for sneak previews of some of the films to come over the next couple of weeks.

Suite Francaise - irene nemirovsky

What’s it about?
A two-part story of the Nazi occupation of France during WWII. Storm charts the mass panic and fear that swamps Paris during the threat of invasion, and Dolce the relative peace of Nazi occupation in rural France. Published 64 years after her death, this is a beautifully written book. Had Nemirovsky been able to finish the three remaining parts she had planned, I’m certain it would have been deemed a masterpiece.

Highs n lows
The subject matter may not at first seem appealing but this is less about war and more about the people affected by it and their emotional reactions to it. From the privileged upper classes to the poor and destitute, it succeeds in describing brilliantly how daily life went on along with the conflicting emotions caused by events during the occupation. Every page evocatively describes a way of life that has practically been swept away by time; portraying the rigidity of social class and providing an incisive understanding of social mores that is outstanding.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5

Book club discussion primer
* Do people really judge another according to their own feelings as Mme Angellier is stated as doing in Dolce?
* What does the book tell you about the French upper classes of the time?
* If you had to leave your home quickly, which one possession would you take with you?
* Was the lack lustre attitude ascribed to those heading off to war for the second time, really partly to blame for France’s defeat?