Title: The Salt of Life (Gianni e le donne)
Director: Gianni Di Gregorio
Cast: Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria De Franciscis and Alfonso Santagata
Most love stories take a look at young love. Two young lovers meet, fall in love and eventually live happily ever after, or break up. When we think of “love,” we think of “young” or the idea of “to be young,” even if a film deals with older people falling in love. Getting an injection from cupid, almost always involves acting and think “young.” As if there is no consequences to actions or the only driving force is youthful and foolish but at the same time charming because two people are in love. But what I find so interesting in “The Salt of Life,” is it takes a look at love with apprehension or caution. Never really taking the leap into love but rather a hesitation of life’s obstacles.
“The Salt of Life” follows Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio), a middle-aged, retired man who is the caretaker of his elderly mother, and is in the search for passion. His look for love, passion or excited is slightly hindered by is demanding mother but overall his need to take care of her. His wife is more or less a friend or companion rather than a lover, which seems odd because she seems slightly supportive of his search for a mistress. His daughter is dating a slacker musician as their relationship is also at a crossroads. Gianni is on a journey of self-discovery as he looks back at his past relationships while being pushed by his lawyer to pursue new ones.
“The Salt of Life” is a hysterical look at a middle-aged man looking for love. At every moment of this film there’s a piece of comedy or awkwardness that shines like a beautiful Roman day. Think an Italian “High Fidelity” but for people in their mid to late 50s and you’ll agree that “The Salt of Life” is funny, charming and clever, while at the same time delivering a certain nuance and artistry that American audiences look for in foreign films.
As the film unfolds, we see Gianni interacting with more women, whether they be past girlfriends or new conquests, but at each turn there seems to be lingering feeling or tension that he cannot go through with sex. It seems as if, Gianni is not looking for empty sex but rather something more meaningful. This is where the character of Gianni misses out, whether it be sheer loyalty to his wife or mother, he can’t seem to fully pursue an extra marital affair. It just seems like Gianni needs to find a hobby as a newly retiree.
“The Salt of Life” is an extremely enjoyable film, full of energy and excitement. As the title suggests, life needs flavor to make it worthwhile from the bland, but too much flavor can make life bitter and sour. “The Salt of Life” is a celebration of passion and love, which is a hard thing to capture on the screen while being so comical and brisk.
Technical: B+
Acting: B+
Story: B
Overall: B+
by @Rudie_Obias
