Rating: * * * *
Verdict: Slight, whimsical and utterly charming.
Small and unassuming, this Italian charmer is a case study in how to conjure something sublime from the most modest of materials.
Writer-director Di Gregorio takes the lead role, too, in a whimsical story of autobiographical origin. As Gianni, a careworn 50-something Roman, he looks after his ancient widowed mother (De Franciscis), whose (perhaps imaginary) aristocratic lineage has not delivered present-day prosperity. They're behind on the bills and the body corporate in his apartment is threatening dire action when the manager Luigi (Santagata) throws Gianni a lifeline: if he
will look after his mum for the few days of the midsummer holiday called Ferragosto - it's a bit like the last week of our December when the city's deserted - he'll pay off some of the debt.
Reluctantly Gianni agrees, but when Luigi arrives he's got an aunt in tow as well and circumstances conspire so that Gianni is soon saddled with yet another octogenarian, the mother of a doctor mate.
Working from, but plainly not wedded to, a script, Di Gregorio wisely lets this odd quintet loose and watches. The old women go by their real names and formally the style is that of an observational documentary (some material was shot when the actors were unaware) as a handheld camera trails them around the apartment in which almost every scene is set.
Pharmaceutical regimes, dietary restrictions (one woman is not allowed cheese or tomato; this is Italy, remember), arguments over the television and the slowly melting reserve of Gianni's mother are all gently explored for their comic potential as the film moves towards a resolution as Italian as parmigiana. The result is an utterly delightful diversion perfectly suited to the season. Enjoy.
Cast: Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria De Franciscis, Marina Cacciotti, Maria Cali, Grazia Cesarini Sforza, Alfonso Santagata
Director: Gianni Di Gregorio
Running time: 75 mins
Rating: PG In Italian with English subtitles
