Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso, although set in a rural village in Sicily and sub-titled, is a universal work of art which will be appreciated by anyone who has ever 'moved on' in their life. It is the story of Salvatore (Toto), a young boy and his enchantment with the movies, his life and loves.
The original Cinema Paradiso which won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film was nearly all shown as an extended flashback explaining the significance to Toto of the death of his friend and mentor Alfredo. The expanded 'director's cut' serves to bring closure to the other story, "What happened to Elena?" I'm a cynical viewer, and it has been said that the additional footage is too soppy, but I felt that it added immeasurably to the film, rounding off Salvatore's character and explaining his ambition for, and realisation of, success as a film director.
When Alfredo dies, Salvatore who has achieved critical acclaim for his work but has not found love, returns to his village and we learn of his enthusiasm for film from an early age, cajoling and persuading Alfredo to teach him to be a projectionist. When a fire destroys Cinema Paradiso, Toto risks his own life to save Alfredo but Alfredo is blinded and Toto becomes the projectionist. He and Elena, the bank managers daughter, fall in love but it is a love that was not to be owing to the disapproval of Elena's family. After serving in the military for a year, Toto is urged by Alfredo to leave the village, to move on. Which he does, not to see Alfredo again alive.
Posted by Paul at May 19, 2003 05:29 PM |