I have watched two incredible movies lately about the Cosa Nostra, the Italian government, and evil. First is Il Divo (2008), about the incredibly successful politician Giulio Andreotti, played by Toni Servillo. I would very much like to see Mr. Servillo when he is not in this role, for Andreotti had a hunched back and (apparently) very unusual ears. I suspect he is one of those incredible actors who can physically change for a role (think Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose or Meryl Streep in many things: Julia and Julia, for one). In this movie, you see a government tied to the Mafia, assassinations, you name it. Nevertheless, Andreotti always survives and is currently a senator for life. Probably my favorite Andreotti quote from the movie:
"...truth is the end of the world."
This movie is polished and gorgeous, with creative cinematography and beautifully set up camera shots. The music is insane - whimsical and mocking is how I found it. It was wonderful - all these things made such a heavy topic almost fun.
Contrast this to Gomorrah (2008), about modern day Cosa Nostra on the streets and in the fields of Sicily. (Gomorrah is a play on Camorra, the term for the local mafia.) This movie follow five stories on the streets - and guess what? One of the characters is played by Mr. Servillo. I didn't recognize him.
This movie is gritty and ugly - appropriately so. I could never have imagined such a way of life, and I've watched the Sopranos. This is a whole different level. Sometimes when I watch movies and read books, I think I should be afraid to leave the house with so much evil out in the world.
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