Gomorrah
1/28/10
Since this blog seems to be evolving into my quest to find the perfect film, it’s only fair that I lay out some criteria. I’ve always felt that the best features are all-inclusive: You can start them without having any prior knowledge, enjoy the experience, and come out with a certain amount of closure, but also the flexibility to let the story grow if you so desire. In this respect, Gomorrah somehow manages to be both a success and a complete failure. I feel the desire to read the nonfiction book on which it’s based, and also Wikipedia as many Camorra-related articles as I can in the forty minutes I’ll remain intrigued. But I also only felt this way at the very end of the film.
The first 2 hours and 11 minutes were beautifully shot, well acted, and utterly confusing, as I had no knowledge of any backstory. The last minute though— which links the entire film to the real-life Camorra mob— makes the whole film relevant and worthwhile.
Perhaps if I knew more about Neapolitan mobsters, I’d have enjoyed the film more. As a fiction film, it was less than entertaining. As a companion piece to works of non-fiction, it is likely riveting. Unfortunately, I only have myself to blame for my ignorance. Off to Wikipedia now.
