Saturday 22 December 2012

Pranzo di Ferragosto
[Mid-August Lunch]
(2008)

RATING:80%
FORMAT:DVD



A beguiling movie about the relationship between mother and son and of the fragile strength of the aged. Despite the trivial annoyances and initial dislike these old people have for one another they discover a solidarity that comes from loneliness, fear of being abandoned by their children and of approaching death. They become fast friends while their kids are generally and comically desperate to be shot of their burdensome elderly mothers - at least for the day.

The slightness of the plot is more than made-up for by the theme of old age and the subtly distinct characterization. However, the film lacks thematic depth and its Cocoon-like milieu would soon peter-out in a longer movie.

There is genuine affection underneath the bitchiness; leading, ultimately, to a good time being had by all. This is a movie that you can literally take your mother to see.


Copyright © 2012 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute it in any format; provided that mention of the author’s Weblog (http://franktalker5.blogspot.com/) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.
Posted by Frank TALKER™ at 15:25
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No science is immune to the infection of politics and the corruption of power.



Jacob Bronowski… (1908 - 74), British scientist, author. Encounter (London, July 1971).


Sleep of Reason:



The dream of reason produces monsters. Imagination deserted by reason creates impossible, useless thoughts. United with reason, imagination is the mother of all art and the source of all its beauty.



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I am human and let nothing human be alien to me.



Terence… (circa 190-159 BC), Roman dramatist. Chremes, in The Self-Tormentor [Heauton Timorumenos], act 1, scene 1.


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Albert Camus… (1913-60), French-Algerian writer & philosopher. The Rebel: An Essay on Man in Revolt: New York: Vintage Books, (1984; page 182.)