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Venice Film Fest: Servillo's Haunted Artist Oddity
10 Sep
Summary
- Toni Servillo stars as a book illustrator haunted by his past.
- The film blends spooky elements with sentimental moments.
- Naples' streetscapes offer a connoisseur's touch by Martone.
The Venice Film Festival features Mario Martone's latest film, starring veteran Italian actor Toni Servillo as a book illustrator.
Adapted from Domenico Starnone's novel, the movie explores an illustrator's return to his childhood home in Naples. He is tasked with babysitting his grandson, Mario, while simultaneously working on illustrations for Henry James's ghost story, 'The Jolly Corner.'
Daniele, Servillo's character, finds his art becoming too dark, mirroring his inner turmoil and past anxieties. The film attempts to blend spectral apparitions with sentimental reflections on family history.
Martone's direction highlights Naples' streetscapes, though the film struggles with a consistent tone, shifting between suspenseful and heartfelt moments. It ultimately presents a baffling misfire, despite Servillo's committed performance.
