Coping with the death of a loved one is explored often in film, but Antonello Grimaldi's Quiet Chaos brings a gentle, new perspective to this process. Pietro, as played by Nanni Moretti, suddenly loses his wife, forcing him to find a way to step sideways from his corporate life into the more important role of being a single father. His daughter seems to accept her mothers death much quicker than he, and in an effort to be close and to understand her, he waits in an adjacent park while she is at school. This becomes habitual and he begins to relocate his life to this new, safe location. Grieving husbands can be overplayed, but Nanni Moretti brings a wonderful warmth and restraint to Pietro; it's a beautifully handled, complex performance. Indeed, all performances are very good. Grimaldi directs with confidence and there are some moments of magic, but at times the film becomes too melodramatic. The music score, winner of the David di Donatello award this year and composed by Paolo Buonvino, is obtrusive because it is too frequent and comments obviously on the drama, rather than providing a subtle undercurrent. The use of contemporary songs is jarring, also. Grimaldi makes up for a few slips with a wonderfully assured ending, closing a story that is engaging and, in many ways, satisfying.
7.5 on the DaveScale.
(dir. Antonello Grimaldi, Italy, 112 mins)
1 comment:
I really like Nanni Moretti as director and actor - this movie has appeal to me....
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