Film Reviews

The Family Friend

• Rating:
• Director: Paulo Sorrentino
• Starring: Clara Bindi
• Details: Italy / 108mins (15A).

70-year-old tailor Geremi (Rizzo) likes to think himself a man with a heart of gold. Calling himself the 'family friend' of anyone in trouble, Geremi spends his spare time looking after his ailing mother in their rundown apartment and takes care of anyone who is short of a few quid. He's also the most mean-spirited moneylender since Shylock and will stop at nothing to get his money - plus the 100% interest - back. When a 'friend' asks him to fund his daughter Rosalba's (Chiatti) wedding, Geremi spots a chance to make a mint, but then he goes and falls head over heels in love with the cold-hearted Rosalba. Geremi, with his sweet tooth, long overcoat, slimy hair and a plastic bag dangling perpetually from his cast, is one of the most memorable film characters in recent history. Rizzo fills out the role with class, making us hate and feel sorry for him in equal measures. A lot of thought went into the creation of Geremi and your love of the film depends on how you take to the character. It's just a shame the story doesn't do him the justice he deserves. Kicking off like a really obscure art house film, the odd shots soon disappear as the story takes over. It's got quite a few interesting scenes, too, and the one with Geremi and Rosalba in bed will send shivers up your spine.

Review by Gavin Burke