Unashamedly introspective and unexpectedly poignant, Nanni Moretti's three-part comedy uses a cinematic diary format to explore his beloved homeland and the recesses of his own personality. As himself, Moretti joyrides around Rome on his Vespa, opining about architecture, cinema, and
social change; battles writer's block by taking a trip with a scholar pal, Gerardo (Renato Carpentieri); and seeks a cure for a skin rash that is misdiagnosed and mistreated by a staggering number of physicians.
CARO DIARIO (which translates as "Dear Diary") lulls viewers into expecting a light-hearted entertainment, then veers unexpectedly into darker territory with the third segment; the change in tone is so abrupt that it almost feels like a betrayal. Ultimately, however, it's the medical episode that
redeems the film. Moretti's exploration of his personal obsessions isn't quite as fascinating as he seems to believe, but his sudden transformation from self-involved artiste to terrified Everyman brings his sympathetic qualities to the fore. Charting a life in transit and barely sidestepping a
tragic journey's end, CARO DIARIO proves that you never really know people until you travel with them. leave a comment
