The Salt of Life

The Salt of Life is an intimate, lighthearted and vivacious 2011 Italian film, directed by Gianni Di Gregorio who also takes on a starring role. It's an intricate story that brings to life the everyday events of a middle-aged man named Gianni, on his whimsical pursuit for a renewed zest of life. The film serves as a sequel to Di Gregorio's previously applauded film, Mid-August Lunch, and it retains much of its charm, gentle humor, and human touch.

Gianni Di Gregorio plays a semi-fictional version of himself, a courteous, kindly man in his mid-sixties, still brimming with vitality and yet, much to his chagrin, increasingly seen as inconsequential by the society around him. Living in a snug, old-fashioned neighborhood in Rome, he faces life with a mix of optimism and resignation, catering the day-to-day needs of his aged, domineering mother, played by Valeria De Franciscis, who seems to have a slightly higher social status and wider social circle than her son.

The movie reflects a satire on the themes of aging, love, lust, and the desire to feel significant. Gianni is stuck in the quotidian routine of his life, from walking dogs to running errands for his family. Much of the film's humor is rooted in these everyday interactions and the quiet indignities of old age. Gianni's despondency grows as he notices that the women around him, who he still finds attractive, seemingly consider him as an 'elderly gent'. His best friend Alfonso, portrayed by Alfonso Santagata, urges him to rekindle his passion for life by having an affair, thus starting Gianni's quest for emotional interaction and affections of the fairer sex.

However, rather than turning to farce or crude comedy, The Salt of Life is full of subtle moments and tender human interactions, leaving the audience to ponder their own interpretations. This sense of humanity and dignity is a central part of the film's charm and appeal. The women in the film come off as relatable, grounded characters and Di Gregorio presents them without any ill feelings or ridicule, even when his clumsy advances are politely rebuffed.

Visual storytelling plays a significant role in the film. The Salt of Life makes excellent use of its robins-egg-blue and sunwashed Roman backdrops, adding an almost poetic quality to Gianni's primarily mundane life. Be it Gianni wandering the picturesque streets, the intricately decorated interiors where he takes his mid-day "prosecco," or the subtle changes of seasons hinted at by the wardrobe of the characters - the cinematography subtly mirrors the bittersweet narrative.

Often compared to American filmmaker Woody Allen for his self-deprecating, nebbish screen persona and humor, Di Gregorio exhibits a distinctly Mediterranean touch by infusing the film with a light tone filled with elegant cuisine, generous servings of wine, and charming, old-world Rome as a vital character.

The performances are genuine and understated, fitting perfectly within the humorous yet realistic narrative the film presents. Di Gregorio excels in his role, portraying with deftness a man who finds himself in an uncomfortable situation. He beautifully expresses his character's bittersweet resignation, his longing for a bygone youth, and his tentative hope for a hint of romance. The supporting cast of Valeria De Franciscis and Alfonso Santagata along with the other women, each with their distinct complexities, add depth, lending authenticity to the story.

The Salt of Life can be best summed up as an exploration of a man's quiet anxieties and unfulfilled desires in his autumnal years, portrayed with a charming sense of levity and warmth. It marries nuanced storytelling with beautifully muted performances, nestled with an impressive Roman backdrop and an underscore of inviting Italian music that echoes long after the film ends.

Welcomed with film festival awards and critical accolades, The Salt of Life is anything but salty. It is, in fact, a gem of modern Italian cinema, a gentle, warm-hearted tale that shapes its poignant themes on age and desire into an immensely captivating, and charmingly delightful, slice-of-life narrative. Its universal message, heartfelt performances and stunning cinematography will likely resonate with audiences both within and beyond its native Italy.