Il Divo - The Spectacular Life of Guilo Andreotti

Italian cinema is going through something of a renaissance of late. With Gomorrah last year and Il Divo this year, as well as Paolo Sorrentino's previous films The Family Friend and The Consequences of Love. Italy is definately producing some of the most artistic, cinematic and engaging films of any country. What's even more unique is that, particularly with Gomorrah and Il Divo, directors and writers are beginning to address some very dark moments and facts about Italy. Where Gomorrah pulled the covers off the influence and effect the Camarra has on Neopolitan Italy. Il Divo turns its attentions to the political world of Italy, which it seems, is no less corrupt and dangerous. Exploring the life of Guilio Andreotti, elected parlimentary official seven times. Sorrentino's film looks at the allegations of Andreotti's connection with the Mafia and his possible involvment in the deaths of a number of polictical figures and journaists.

Sorrentino's style is eye catching; there isn't a single frame which is sumptuous to look at. He uses music strikingly throughout to emphasis key dramatic beats and create tone. He is in some ways like Martin Scorsese, but comparisons would undermine his unique qualities and cinematic verve. The film itself is punctuated with a few key moments of violence and Sorrentino shoots Andreotti and his political clan as if they were gangsters. He certainly doesn't paint them as holy, or saviours of Italy, not even the religious member of his clan is afforded respectable treatment. Each of his members are introduced like Reservoir Dogs gangsters, their names and nicknames appearing on screen, in original and inventive ways.

Of the films performances, praise belongs to one man alone. Toni Servillo is fantastic as Andreotti, his mannerisms our superb and he creates a fully realised methodical, purposeful and demonic man. He resembles in a bizarre way Murnau's Nosferatu, skulking in the shadows, shuffling along, his hands permanently clasped in his lap. One scene has him standing off against a beautiful white cat in a huge room. Servillo shoos the cat away a number of times before eventually being victorious. It's almost as if the man is adverse or allergic to the feline.

Il Divo won the Jury Prize at Cannes last year and is without doubt one of the best pictures to be released in 2009. Sorrentino has built himself a reputation of potentially Italy's pre-eminent director, and I for one will be seeking out any future films he makes.