Gianni Di Gregorio really has bitten off a large mouthful in "Mid-August Lunch," a light, frothy tale with an uncommonly hard backbone. He's the writer and director, and the leading actor, and he is trying to deal with four very elderly women, all non-actors, one portraying his 93-year-old mother, with whom he shares an apartment.
The action takes place in Rome, during Ferragosto, a feast day that marks Aug. 15. Gianni, who does not appear to have a job, spends his days socializing with his friend, Viking (Luigi Marchetti) and other people in his Trastevere neighborhood. One day the landlord approaches and points out that Gianni is three years behind in his rent. But the landlord will forgive the debt if his mother can spend a few days with Gianni and his mother while the landlord attends to urgent family business out of town. Gianni agrees, of course, and Mom–and her unannounced sister–move in while the landlord heads out of town, convertible top down and blonde in the passenger seat.
When the doctor pays a visit, guess what he wants? Yep, another elderly guest. The four women interplay nicely, and scenes of Gianni preparing meals for the elderly quartet are simply charming. Not much happens, but it's fun to watch and Gianni Di Gregorio has worn his three hats with great success.
At the Plaza Frontenac, opening today
–Joe