Reality
Affable Neapolitan fishmonger Luciano teams with his wife to pull off a series of small-yet-profitable scams, but finds his perception of reality starting to shift after being convinced by his family to try out for the hit reality game show Big Brother.
Director: Matteo Garrone
Starring: Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli, Nando Paone, Graziella Marina, Claudia Gerini
The movie's a funny, dark, increasingly razor-sharp inquiry into the metaphysics of modern fame - how the dream of “being seen” and thus validated on some primal level can completely unhinge the average schmo.
The first-rate Italian comedy Reality - which fakes Pope Benedict appearing in St. Peter's Square - likens consecration to elevating an “everyman” to pop celebrity.
The bright palette of Reality is an obvious way to underline the hero's unraveling, but it looks good, and it works.
It's a likable film played with gusto and heart - though fundamentally a little sentimental and predictable.
As a satire on the seduction by media and our infatuation with celebrity, it's hardly "The Truman Show," but Garrone's Gomorrah follow-up is wry and witty. Plenty of fun.
Matteo Garrone
Cannes Film Festival (2012)
Best Actor
RiverRun International Film Festival (2013)
No lists