The Human Factor

In Milan, high finance and high fashion meet up with low morals and lonely lives. Detective Monaco is tight-lipped and world-weary, deep in his shell since the death of his wife three years ago. He keeps family photos—like his emotions—locked up in a drawer. Though he’s a keen analyst and a superb cop, Monaco lacks THE HUMAN FACTOR. Monaco’s teenage daughter Linda is desperate for his attention, but his attitude toward her is frosty. Coke-fueled murders have become commonplace on Monaco’s beat, and he wants out. But when a high roller known to party with underage girls is found dead in a pool of blood, Monaco’s boss orders him to take the case. When Linda arrives at the station in the back of a patrol car, Monaco’s closely circumscribed world threatens to unravel completely. Actors Silvio Orlando (Monaco) and Alice Raffaelli (Linda) are outstanding, performing a sad tango of father-daughter aloofness and longing. (In Italian with subtitles) —B.B.