Il Divo

Paulo Sorrentino came to prominence and international acclaim with 2004's 'The Consequences of love', an intimate tale of a mysterious hotel dweller with dubious mafia connections. Il Divo, out this year in the UK, carries on and expands the subject of organised crime, this time in the account of Guiliano Andreotti. Andreotti was the Italian PM for several terms from 1946 right into the early 90's. The figurehead was part of the Democrazia Cristiana, a right wing party, and was frequently linked to the mafia.

Toni Servillio, the star of 'Consequences', turns in another great performance as the Italian leader. The PM shuffles around meekly the grand halls of residence, a deeply serious, almost boring man, like Nosferatu after retirement. Servillio's hunched physicality is faultless and the actor manages to steer clear of overdramatizing the character, although Andreotti himself has said he is even more boring in reality.

The timidity of the central character is offset by a cast of colourful supporting characters; the volatile hardman, the flamboyant spin doctor, the ranting priest-members of Andreotti's far reaching circle. The film shows how Andreotti was able to draw influence through various different strands-religious figures, doctors, lawmen, the police- and later we find out, the criminals.

What really makes this film stand out though, is Sorrentino's remarkable gift as a stylist. The film is a technical tour-de-force, all gliding camera tracks and snappy edits. Before the film started I was preparing myself for a much more muted effort than 'Consequences'- obviously Sorrentino would go for a much more serious, stately style to suit the political film format. After the first 30 seconds, my fears were completely allayed. The camerawork, editing and soundtrack are sophisticated and thrilling, Sorrentino again showing a creative playfulness in his filmmaking that is certainly lacking in most films.

I wouldn't say Il Divo is the definitive account of Andreotti's career, as it seems to touch only only on certain periods, and stylistically it almost overshadows the story. However, I think most people would agree that we do get a sense of the man and the party, the conspiracies and the lies surrounding him.

8/10