Il Divo

Winner of the Jury Prize in Cannes, IL DIVO is a fascinating, witty, intensely visual film based on the life of Giulio Andreotti, the Christian Democratic politician and author who was elected to the Italian parliament an unprecedented seven times, and has dominated Italian politics for 50 years. The film covers the period of time from the early 90s, when Andreotti was last elected Prime Minister, to his trial based on charges of collusion with the Mafia, which he steadfastly and calmly denies. Filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino focuses on the “greatness of the enigma” that is Andreotti. One by one, journalists, politicians, and industrialists around him are murdered or commit suicide. He remains an imperturbable man, neither humble nor arrogant; none of his advisors really know him, including Livia, his wife of 60 years. A devout Catholic, and a believer in God's will rather than chance, he concedes at confession that one must occasionally make sacrifices for the sake of the Republic. During the chaos of kidnappings and assassinations, at the Kremlin and elegant power soirees, Il Divo remains a beetle-like sphinx, his only signs of emotion persistent migraines and the twisting of his ring. A masterful performance by Toni Servillo. (In Italian with English subtitles) – B.B.