Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2014

Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2014
Image: I Can Quit Whenever I Want

The Lavazza Italian Film Festival should be a real treat for Sydneysiders, this year’s selection features a wide range of Italian films that promise to bring a dash of Mediterranean romance to Palace cinema locations.

Launching the festival with some melody is Marina, an entertaining biopic that tells the true story of singer, songwriter and accordionist, Rocco Granata.

I Can Quit Whenever I Want is a fast-moving, farcical comedy about academics that can’t find employment worthy of them, so decide there’s more money in the drug trade. A molecule in the drug they peddle is not illegal so, for a while, they manage to dodge the attention of the law – though not the attention of mobsters from a rival drug-ring.

Perhaps the most hilarious moment is when the gang hold-up a pharmacy with antique muskets and one of them is recognised (despite wearing a mask). The moral of the story is that every choice has a cost – and theirs comes in the form of fractured relationships and imprisonment. The use of saturated colour makes red, yellow and green very evident, resulting in lurid visuals that seem to match the action.

Let’s celebrate the fact that Italy still makes cinema that is uniquely Italian. It could be a wonderful few weeks. (MMu)

Sep 18-Oct 12, Palace Norton St, Palace Verona & Chauvel Cinema, $15-19, italianfilmfestival.com.au

BY MICHAEL MUIR

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