Ciao
Bella...
'The
Last Kiss' is a beautiful Italian film, a
romantic comedy and drama told in multiple
storylines reminiscent of 'Magnolia' or 'Short
Cuts'. It is one of the best films ever to deal
with twenty-something males who haven't really
grown up and accepted the responsibility of an
adult life, and also about the women who have to
deal with them. Most of the men in this film
have commitment-phobia. Babies are being had,
weddings are taking place, apartments are being
purchased, but all these men can think about is
escape. They are planning on buying a beat up
old van and travelling the world in search of an
adventure. Anything will do, as long as it
doesn't involve growing up, becoming an adult
and assuming responsibility for the direction of
their lives and relationships.
It sounds weighty and significant. Perhaps it
is. But the movie is so effortless,
light-hearted, energetic and funny that time
seems to fly by. It is one of the most
entertaining films of the year. It's no wonder
that 'The Last Kiss' won so many Audience Awards
at film festivals in 2002, including at
Sundance. The film also became one of the
biggest box office successes in European cinema
history. This film, which Peter Travers of
Rolling Stone called "Sex in the City with men",
garnered tons of 3˝ and 4 star reviews, hit
dozens of Top Ten Lists, and will easily become
a favorite for those who are lucky enough to see
it.
The performances are all stellar. The primary
couple in the film, supremely played by Stefano
Accorsi (Carlo) and Giovanna Mezzogiorno
(Giulia), are fascinating to watch. They are
emotionally polar opposites at different stages
in their lives. The film builds around this
couple and the explosive crescendo that seems
imminent from the opening scenes. Carlo is
immature and irresponsible. Giulia is calm,
methodical and assured in her wants and needs.
She loves Carlo, despite his flaws, but tells
him that the one thing she won't abide is
infidelity. Needless to say, the temptations
present themselves during the film and we get to
watch one of the most explosive arguments in the
history of cinema as Giulia has a melt down when
she finds out the truth.
The film dances around to other storylines from
time to time, but it always returns to the
central couple. All the other vignettes are
interesting but serve primarily as breathers and
changes-of-pace. You won't be as invested in
those characters as you will be with Carlo and
Giulia. Giovanna Mezzogiorno is spectacular
here. She bounces effortlessly between calm and
rage, trust and jealousy, romantic and
pragmatic. It is one of the best performances of
the decade. Special note must also be given to a
new Italian starlet named Martina Stella, who is
vibrant and mesmerizing as the object of Carlo's
lust. She plays a love-struck young girl named
Francesca, who is so painfully unaware of life's
cruel hardships and realities. Her naiveté and
wide-eyed innocence makes it easy for us to
understand why Carlo might stray. Martina Stella
is a wonderful new talent that we should keep
our eyes on over the next few years.
I pointed out the structural similarity to Paul
Thomas Anderson's 1999 masterpiece, 'Magnolia'.
However, there is more than just a passing
resemblance. 'The Last Kiss' is obviously
inspired by it's predecessor. It looks and
sounds a great deal like that classic. The
camera movement is energetic and dynamic. There
are a ton of complex 'steadicam' scenes. The
score is that anticipatory and frenetic string
ensemble that allows us to flow from moment to
moment as the editing shifts us from one
storyline to another. In fact, the scores are so
similar that I initially thought it had been
borrowed. The way I see things, if you are going
to emulate a film, you can't do much better than
emulating 'Magnolia'.
This film has the ability to make you laugh and
cry with the absolute recognition of your own
life . There are so many scenes that will hit
home. Virtually every viewer over the age of 25
will be able to see themselves, at some point in
their life, manifested in one of these
characters. It is a witty and observant script
that deals truthfully and hysterically with the
complexities of modern relationships. I think
that is the main reason it has become a fan
favorite.
The cinematography and lighting are first rate.
These stunningly gorgeous Italian thespians are
made even more resplendent than previously
imaginable. Gabriele Muccino directs the film
and seems to make every single shot count. You
could take any still-frame from this movie and
have a photograph to hang in an art gallery.
I've already mentioned the wonderful score, but
I would also like to point out another lovely
sound in this film... the Italian language.
Never before have so many words been crammed
into a two hour movie. It is a lovely language
to behold. It sounds beautiful whether it is
being whispered or screamed. I know it may seem
a little meaningless to state such a thing, but
I believe that a great film can be enjoyed with
either the sound or the picture off. This film
assuredly looks gorgeous, but it sounds even
better!
There are many things to love about this film.
Giovanna Mezzogiorno's performance is
miraculous. The stories are poignantly truthful.
The character arcs are rich and full and
complete. The technical aspects of the film are
immaculate. The resolution is satisfying and
honest. You will cringe, you will laugh, you
will be joyous and angry... this movie will take
you on an emotional roller-coaster. You will
almost feel Italian (If you aren't already). And
the final few moments of the film will leave you
smirking to yourself as you contemplate the
resounding irony of it all. How cruel these
directors can be!
'The Last Kiss' (L'Ultimo Bacio) is easily one
of the best films of the year. I suggest you
make a special effort to seek this film out...
you won't regret it.
©
Written by TC Candler
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