3/5
Stars
The film, a French-Italian offering, is
about a man Luciano and his obsession with the popular reality show Big
Brother. How his want for being featured on the show turns him into a
fame-hungry monster, is what ‘Reality’ focuses on.
Wonderfully conceived by Matteo Garrone, ‘Reality’
comprises wonderful performances, Aniello Arena, in particular, who plays the
lead. The subject is a very relatable one for any sort of culture. The
enchanting music, composed by Alexandre Desplat, escalates the film to a
different level altogether.
Luciano runs a fairly successful fish store
in the heart of Naples. However, in order to make ends meet, he also runs a
side-business which involves selling kitchen 'robots' in the neighbourhood.
He also does his bit at the weddings
enthralling the guests. Here, he gets overshadowed by the local popular reality
star Enzo. His popularity among kids, women and the city folk, makes Luciano
want to feature on Big Brother as well. He is egged on by his wife Maria, his
kids and the extended family to give an audition for the much-talked-about
reality show. He reluctantly gives in but then, the lust for fame does him in.
The subject of the film is one that relates
across all cultures. Reality shows have captured the imagination of most
middle-class households around the world. The short-lived, yet rich-dividend paying
fame attracts all and sundry.
The magical camerawork by Marco Onorato
works wonders for the screenplay. Italy has been captured beautifully in the
film. The long shots, in particular, give the film a charming look. The
screenplay too, is wonderful. Silence has been used very meticulously and
conveys the melancholy that the principal character is going through. Director
Matteo Garrone mixes light-hearted banter wonderfully with the grim
helplessness of his protagonist. The film subtly asks the question, ‘Is the
hunger for fame 'self-destructive'?’
The film tackles an interesting subject
with a fair bit of maturity. There are funny moments galore, and the story
reminds you of the wonderful Italian classics of the old. Lovely story, well
told.
Shivom
Oza
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