Gomorrah: It’s disturbing, thoughtful, unforgettable

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 04 June 2009 10:35

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their children. This week’s pick is the new Italian film, Gomorrah, now available in theaters and “on demand” on cable television.

The tragedy of Gomorrah is not in the blood its characters spill, the screams they utter or the despair they endure. It’s the general sense of hopelessness that pervades each character and situation, as if all the possibilities life should bring are snuffed by the sense of doom that arrives with each new morning. And while we sit in the comfort of a theater, the victims portrayed in the film reach across the screen to haunt us with the general despair that is so movingly captured.

The film could be considered as an antidote to the romanticism of The Godfather or The Departed or Goodfellas. In those movies, no matter how strong, the realities of criminal acts gave way to the entertainment of an intense motive or revenge. No matter how much blood filled the screen, there was always a sense of a better life ahead, and a consistently strong bond between the characters. No matter how ugly their deeds, there was something redemptive about how they cared for each other.

There is absolutely nothing, however, that can be redeemed from the doom and gloom of the dark streets of Naples portrayed on screen. Death is dark here. Without remorse. Without emotion. It’s just a fact of life, a matter of business. People remain inside their battered homes afraid to leave for fear of an assassin’s wandering bullets. Young children choose “sides” in a game of roulette with the full awareness that, at any future point, one may be told to kill another. The crime syndicate portrayed in the film is so widespread that no one, not even the innocent, has a fair chance to survive. It simply controls life, and settles death.

The film is based on detailed first-hand research by Roberto Saviano, the author of the best-selling book from which the film is adapted. He went “underground” to live among the people, relied on the insight provided by informants, and revealed a harsh life that few could imagine. Fortunately, for us, the brutality of the page is perfectly transferred to the screen, giving us an unflinching view of true victims of such a broad network of organized crime.

Directed by Matteo Garrone, the film uses a quasi-documentary style to place us in the middle of the proceedings. Shooting in actual housing projects in and near Naples, Garrone paints a bleak world where people do not live with hope, they simply exist knowing they may soon die. No one seems to have enough money to make ends meet, despite the proliferation of organized crime, and for some death may seem a natural escape. Garrone captures the depth of reaction with an unsparing eye that never lets us lose focus on the tragedy of every moment.

As parents, we shudder to consider how tough life could be for our children. But what we may see as challenging would be bright opportunity for so many in this film. Don’t worry if you think you have seen every movie you need to see about organized crime. Consider this mandatory viewing for anyone needing “a reality check” about how tough life can really be.

One final note. This film won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and the European Film Award, but was overlooked for an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film. Shame on the Academy. Once again it overlooked real cinema art in favor of popular entertainment. This is one to see, savor and ponder.

Film Nutritional Value:

Gomorrah

* Content: High. The film offers a detailed, and at times wrenching, view of life on the streets of a crime-ridden city. There is much to observe and learn from.

* Entertainment: Medium. The film disturbs rather than entertains; the situations are so bleak it could be difficult to continue watching if not so well developed

* Message: High. At this time in our world, when so many have so many challenges, it’s important to see what we may be inclined to ignore

* Relevance: High. Despite the severity of the circumstances, the emotional connection is immediate, and the people and their issues are very compelling.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. In fact, the film can prompt several conversations, focusing on the danger experienced and the possibilities in a life with little hope.

4 Popcorn Buckets

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