La Chimera (2023)
Italian cinema has the sprezzatura!
Presentation:
French films take the crown for zany art house films, but La Chimera proves Italian cinema can be just as quirky. There are a lot of great ideas in this film both thematically and visually. The compositions, color and wardrobe look fantastic despite the desaturated period drama look with sprezzatura from upside down shots and sped up motion to changing aspect ratios and film formats. Although the lead is quiet, everyone surrounding him is vibrant, creating an even more colorful Italian setting. I loved the dancing, humor and narrative structure, but the film doesn’t tie itself together very well. This could almost be a caper for how funny it is, but it is better described as a quirky character arc adventure.
Conclusion:
This film has all the makings of a critically acclaimed film but falls short in execution. The main character doesn’t communicate much aside from angsty emoting, which allows him to be endearing but doesn’t make us invest in the romantic subplot. Although the emotional payoff falls flat, the charming screenplay of gypsy grave robbers might be reason enough to make this someone’s favorite film of 2023.
Recommendations
Italian cinema has the sprezzatura!