With its highly topical setting of the Mostra internazionale d'arte cinematografica, Festival, the latest film from veteran director Pupi Avati, will be keenly appreciated by Venice regulars, some of whom might even recognise themselves on screen. As Avati points out, this film-about-film features 'many curious and funny characters in Venice who are portrayed with a bit of ridicule. You have to allow me a least that: after all, we're not making a commercial for the Venice Film Festival!'
Franco (real-life comedy star Massimo Boldi) is a former comedian and a top TV and film personality whose star has faded. As fame went to his head he lost contact with his friends and family. Now a leading role in a small film offers him the chance to revive his career, and his life.
When the small underground film gets selected in competition at Venice, Franco feels that his successful comeback is imminent. As the Festival proceeds Franco decides to reconnect with his past.
At the same time there is a buzz that he is in line for the Golden Lion for best actor. When the winner is announced at the closing ceremony, Franco rises to receive the applause. But someone else is collecting the award, and Franco is left standing, with everyone staring at him.
With Gillo Pontecorvo's assistant, Giorgio Gosetti, acting as a consultant to Avati (who served on the jury here in 1985), this is a film which has the stamp of authenticity. Avati, however, is keen to stress that his film has a resonance beyond the Lido. As he puts it, 'I think that a festival is an accurate observation point from which to tell the story of today's world.' Nick Thomas
Prod cos: Filmauro, Duea Film
Prods: Antonio Avati, Aurelio De Laurentiis
Dir: Pupi Avati
Scr: Pupi Avati in collaboration with Antonio Avati, Giorgio Gosetti, Doriano Fasoli, Nino Marino
Ph: Chicca Ungaro
Prod des: Alessandra Argienti, Alessandra D'Ettore
Costumes: Isabella Rizza
Ed: Amedeo Salfa
Music: Pino Donaggio
Sound: Bruno Pupparo
Cast: Massimo Boldi, Isabelle Pasco, Gianni Cavina, Margaret Mazzantini, Massimo Bonetti
Running time: 93 mins
Int sales: Filmauro
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