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What a better way to begin the new year than with one of its worst films. This combination of magical elements, excessive violence, and sentimentalism is a disgrace in the form of a movie. It is not only slightly offensive for using the Holocaust as a dramatic plot device, but its smug belief in its own quality is what truly disgusts. This arrogance is evident in the film’s 2-hour and 21-minute runtime, dragging on until its eventual end. Those who complained about the length of Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon should be tied to a chair, like Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange, and forced to watch this in order to grasp the distinction between a lengthy film with substance and one that aims to make its audience dumber.
In 1943, the Mezza Piotta circus is located in Rome and is managed by Israel, a kind impresario. The circus features a group of individuals with unique abilities, similar to those seen in X-Men, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and Angela Carter’s works. Cencio has the power to control insects with his mind, but has a fear of bees. Mario is a clown with a magnetic personality. Fulvio is incredibly strong and covered in hair, reminiscent of Chewbacca. Lastly, Matilde is capable of producing electric shocks, except when the script fails to follow through with this aspect. When Israel is taken to a death camp and the group is separated, Matilde embarks on a journey to find her friends.
A circus leader named Franz (played by Franz Rogowski) is in town and enjoys inhaling ether for its hallucinogenic effects (please do not attempt this at home, children). He also possesses an additional pinky finger on each hand, allowing him to play Radiohead’s Creep at a rapid pace on the piano. Franz has a desire to capture the performers from Mezza Piotta, who he has foreseen in his visions, and inflict harm upon them – his ultimate intention is not entirely apparent.
Rogowski’s recent performances have received a lot of praise, particularly for his portrayal of a polyamorous narcissist in Passages. However, any award-giving bodies considering recognizing him may want to reconsider after seeing his exaggerated facial expressions and comical movements in this film. It’s comparable to a labradoodle enthusiastically chasing a Chuckit! ball. Additionally, it is offensive how this Italian movie solely blames the Germans for the persecution of Jewish people, ignoring the existence of Mussolini and the 1938 racial laws. It also presents Italians as entirely good and places all responsibility on the “beastly” Germans from the north. This idea aligns with the beliefs of current prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
Source: theguardian.com
