Happy as Lazzaro (Italian Film Festival, Mini Review)

Science fiction films have the power to gaze at the world around us in a way that isn't possible with a simple drama. In Alice Rohrchawer's follow up to The Wonders, she manages to look at society in a way that echoes science fiction but is very much grounded in reality. I guess you could say it's a magic realism but it never locks down a genre. Lazzaro appears to be a simple-minded boy who lives in a commune of farmers. Their boss has them locked down, away from society working for nothing.

Lazzaro is both a film of straightforward drama and one of film making poetry that tries to reveal the human condition. Ultimately this left me frustrated. The way which characters had their conflicts was presented in a way that sidelined Lazzaro in a way that left me feeling cold. I did care for Lazzaro but then again perhaps this was an insight into a simple-minded person who was often pushed to the side.

When it came to conflict, Lazzaro was more of an accomplice than a participant. He was a vessel that occasionally steered itself. This is contrasted with moments that lulled on the spiritual and magic realism. It’s never revealed what the light that the farm workers see but you know it’s important. Why did Lazzaro come back after that event? There is a great and memorable film here but after a first viewing, I’m not sure if it’s either of those things.

Lazzaro is also a vessel for an exploration of society moving from small communities to the industrial age. The industrial age also brought upon the hate it or love it concept of capitalism to the forefront of society. This radical change had a big impact on everyone’s lives. I don’t want to spoil too much of the film as it would take away from the mysticism of the plot. Rohrchawer does a fine job of recreating the struggles of a transition of a small world to a small one. The environment created is reminiscent of a member of a tribe brought into today’s global world. However, it manages to remain fresh with a unique vision to the mise-en-scene.

The film is shot on what seems to be 16mm but without being cropped so the curved edges are still present. Occasionally you can see some hair or dirt at the edges of the frame. The camera often moves like a families 8mm camera recording. Other times it’s a camera of a photojournalist who’s compelled to use the backdrop of the countryside to reflect the beauty of man and nature that no one can ever take away. Some characters even have their own style. The farm’s owner’s son often has a more stylistic approach filled with dutch tilts and movement.

Lazzaro is played by Adriano Tardiolo, an unprofessional discovery, whose inexperience comes off as a strength. He always stands the same way and shows little emotion but his eyes tell enough to convey the story. He brings a purity to the film when no one else knows the true meaning of it.

The film deservedly won an award for its screenplay at Cannes earlier in the year and it could’ve won some other awards for its directing, lead performance and cinematography. Yet, there is something missing in the film. Is it a cohesiveness? Or lack of direction? Or even the first half only being a set up for the second? It’s hard to say but there are a few moments of genius here and for those few moments this film is worth your time.

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Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?