Blending the fierce action, bloody violence and sheer lust for power that dominated "The Sopranos," and "The Godfather," Italian writer-director Paolo Sorrentino brings us "Il Divo," a brilliant flm based on the life and career of Giulio Andreotti, long-time prime minister of Italy, a member for life of Italy's parliament and a man who schemed, bribed and murdered his way to the top.
And after nearly a decade of investigations and trials, he has yet to spend a night in prison.
With Toni Servillo offering a breath-taking portrayal of the man who offered proof to the line that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, Sorrentino paints a shocking portrait of Italian politics and a prologue to the current regime of Silvio Burlesconi. Servillo, stone-faced throughout, is amazing in his power, and Anna Bonaiuto provides a perfect match as his wife.
"Il Divo," is long, but Sorrentino grabs the audience by the collar and never lets go in this savage, gripping story.
At the Plaza Frontenac
-Joe