Mia Madre

 

Mia madre 2015

• Director: Nanni Moretti
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Margherita Buy, John Turturro, Giulia Lazzarini, Nanni Moretti, Beatrice Mancini
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• John Turturro – The Miracle at St Ana, God’s Pocket, Margo at the Wedding, Romance & Cigarettes, Secret Window, The Man Who Cried, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Cradle Will Rock, The Big Lebowski, Clockers, Barton Fink, Jungle Fever, Miller’s Crossing, Mo’ Better Blues, Do the Right Thing, Desperately Seeking Susan
• Why? Good reviews
• Seen: 15 November 2022 

       Margherita (Buy) is making a film about workers striking because they’re losing their jobs. Her mother (Lazzarini) is dying. Her brother (Moretti) is carrying the practical burden and is supportive of Margherita, who has a teen-aged daughter (Mancini). Barry (Turturro, speaking Italian sometimes), is the star of her film, his annoying exuberance and constant untruthful bragging about his work with Kubrick driving her to distraction. She is pressured from all sides and exhausted.

       The film is a finely nuanced and realistic portrait of a midlife crisis that many, especially women, will recognise. Sadly, it’s not the emotional powerhouse I expected, considering the subject. Margherita Buy, however, is excellent. 

3* of 5