By 
By Roger Costa
DRY
Following the effects of the chaotic 3-year low water supply in Rome over several different people, Paolo Virzi’s efficient, hilarious and scary dystopian ecologic comedy addresses urgent issues with imaginative irreverence. This satirical, sometimes absurdist take on social connection, consumerism, class privilege and both the banality and informative progress of social media, subtly casts a warning on global warming. It creates a haunting atmosphere touching on our fears and insecurity over the destructive power of raging natural effects. Virzi conducts the material with familiarity and preciseness, immersively introducing the incredibly charismatic ensemble cast and guiding us through their dilemmas, sorrows and expectations. The stellar cast includes Monica Bellucci, Valerio Mastandrea, Tommaso Ragno and Silvio Orlando as a prisoner who accidentally goes free. The screenplay masterfully interconnects these characters, enhanced by the great Luca Bigazzi’s cinematography and the richly structured editing by Jacopo Quadri. Virzi has established himself as a great filmmaker, for years dedicated to investigate the human experiences facing their limits, imperfections and financial frustration, but here he goes beyond to reveal another attribute, that of a visionary. Winner of the Pasinetti Award for Best Film at Venice Film Fetival, “Dry” is a fascinating, captivating and gripping fiction dramedy, and also Virzi’s best film to date.
(Screens 6/2 and 8. Q&A with actor Tommaso Ragno on 6/2.)
THE HUMMINGBIRD
Pierfrancesco Favino is a strong, versatile actor whose firm presence and chemistry on screen have catalyzed him as not just Italy’s current leading and most active actor but one of our bravest global stars. “The Traitor”, “Padrenostro” and “Nostalgia” made him an instant star, he built an immediate connection to the audience, attracting men and seducing the ladies. In this transgenerational drama directed by Francesca Archibugi, he only confirms his talent and charmming nuance, leading an epic story that spans decades and generations in a family marked by tragedy and separation, but also marked by love and perseverance. The story centers on the secretive love between two childhood lovers (Favino and Berenice Brejo) and the paths they take apart. Their constant meetings and connections, as well as co-dependence affect everyone around them, their children, their spouses, and eventually, their grandchildren. Ambitious and gorgeously crafted, Archibugi demonstrates perfect coordination of the visual effects, an impressive technique of making their actors look younger or older, bringing something fresh and inventive to the narrative. Anchored by another top-notch performance by Favino, the result is a highly entertaining, glamorous and captivating saga about family bond and the power of overcoming.
(Screens 6/1 and 7. Q&A with Director Archibugi.)
(Presented by Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà the 22nd Open Roads: New Italian Cinema festival runs June 1st thru 8th. Go to https://www.filmlinc.org/festivals/open-roads-new-italian-cinema/#about for full schedule, tickets, details and special appearances.)
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