Viva la Liberta

Viva la Liberta, also known as Long Live Freedom, is an intriguing and thoughtful Italian drama film. The movie, which premiered in 2013, stars versatile Italian actor Toni Servillo, acclaimed for his performances in Gomorra and The Great Beauty. It also showcases the masterful performances of Valerio Mastandrea and Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. Directed by Roberto Andò, and largely set against the backdrop of the political landscape of Italy, the movie flexes a potent mixture of political satire, wit, and human drama.

The film revolves around the principal character, Enrico Oliveri, a character that Toni Servillo breathes life into with his characteristic finesse. Enrico is the beleaguered leader of Italy's main opposition party. He is under intense pressure from his party, the press, and the public, thanks to an ongoing, catastrophic decline in poll numbers. On top of that, the opposing political factions are seemingly unvanquishable, and his own party is losing faith in his leadership.

Overwhelmed by the mounting pressures of his political life, Enrico decides to take a brief respite. He chooses to disappear without a trace, leaving his advisors, the party, and the public in a lurch. This sudden, unexplained absence creates an uproar in the political arena, sparking a whole slew of speculative theories and guesswork. It’s in this chaos that the movie interjects its primary humorous and thought-provoking premise.

Without revealing too much, it's suffice to say that Enrico’s identical twin brother, Giovanni Ernani, played by Servillo in a brilliant double role, enters the picture. Giovanni, a philosopher and author, is a fresh breath of air in the critical climate of political chaos. His unconventional approach to politics, coupled with his delightful eccentricity, initiates a wave of change that unexpectedly rejuvenates the trailing party and its public image.

Providing stellar support to Servillo’s double act are Valerio Mastandrea and Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. Mastandrea plays the role of Oliveri's close aide and confidant, while Bruni-Tedeschi portrays Danielle, Giovanni’s former love interest who gradually becomes part of the political whirlpool. Their nuanced performances compliment the central actor greatly and add to the film’s dramatic appeal.

Director Roberto Andò has done a commendable job in crafting a narrative that is neither overtly critical of the political scene nor entirely dismissive. He treads a delicate, middle-ground path that makes the film a subtle satire, packed with witticisms and insightful observations. The movie does not descend into cheap parody and instead shows a sophisticated understanding of politics filled with subtle humor and satire. But it's not all politics; the film is equally about individuals, their personal growth, and their relationships with one another.

The characters, as penned by Ando and his co-writer Angelo Pasquini, are believable, relatable, and compelling. Enrico’s character epitomizes the frustration of many modern politicians who find themselves haplessly stuck in the labyrinth of power. Giovanni, on the other hand, is a refreshing anomaly in a world obsessed with power and ambition.

Visually, Viva la Liberta is a treat to watch. Cinematographer Maurizio Calvesi elegantly captures both the majestic Rome and Paris landscapes and the intimate indoor scenes with equal finesse. The background scores by Marco Betta seamlessly blend with the tonality of the movie, never overshadowing the narrative but instead enhancing the storytelling experience.

The narrative tugs at our curiosity, keeping us hooked till the end. An alternate reality takes shape as the film progresses, a reality that sparks a light of hope amid the clutter of cynicism, manipulation, and political maneuvering.

In essence, Viva la Liberta (Long Live Freedom), is an insightful exploration into the world of Italian politics through a narrative marked by humor, wit, and emotional depth. The movie makes a strong impression in the realm of political dramas, catching us off guard with its eccentricities, capturing us with its human drama, and leaving us with some food for thought about the curious choices we make. The film, with its brilliant performances and lingering messages, is a testament to the power of cinema that transcends boundaries and genres.