Vincere
Vincere
Directed by Marco Bellocchio
Italy & France, 2009
Cornerhouse, 14 May 2010
Vincere relates the scarcely known story of Mussolini’s first wife, Ida.
Beautifully crafted and possessed of a grand narrative sweep, the film‘s lynchpin is a compelling lead performance by Giovanna Mezzogiorno.
It reminded me strongly of Eastwood’s Changeling: both films feature lone women (who happen to be mothers too) subject to institutional/societal authorities.
Ida’s predicament commands one’s attention, even though on occasion one thinks, ‘That Mussolini bloke is a posturing little shit and you’re well shot of him, girl.’ Or words to that effect.
Was the young Mussolini a sincere activist, a more attractive (or deceptively attractive) personality than he became in later life? This film would have you believe so. Yet Hemingway, when working as a journalist, interviewed Mussolini and saw straight through him. He wasn’t fooled at all, and nor should we be.
See this film for Mezzogiorno’s dazzling central performance. She is wonderful.
Explore posts in the same categories: Film reviewTags: Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Hemingway, Marco Bellocchio, Mussolini, Vincere
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