At times frustratingly slow, The Consequences of Love could be criticised for its meandering lack of action.
Estranged from his family, and with only a packet of cigarettes for company, Titta di Giralano’s life in an anonymous Swiss hotel is lonely and emotionless. But for the seductive cinematography that maps out his existence it’d be pretty damn unexciting too.
Subtly and steadily, however, Paolo Sorrentino reveals clues about the secret of Titta’s past, teasing us until the arrival of a cash-filled suitcase brings disturbing details and the Mafia connections that underpin them.
At times frustratingly slow, The Consequences of Love could be criticised for its meandering lack of action. But by shying away from the familiar violence that usually defines the mob movie genre, Sorrentino lights a slow-burning fuse that promises to detonate at any moment.
Its chilling power is evoked by Toni Servillo’s beautifully underplayed performance, the hotel’s prison-like impassivity and the painful mundanity of Titta’s existence.
Published 25 May 2005
Flew well under the radar.
The fine acting, beautiful camera work and a series of clues to work through are consistently engaging.
Persevere with the slow bits and you’ll reap the reward of a cracking finale. An unusual and memorable take on the Mafia.
Visually overwhelming and intellectually exhilarating – just don’t expect to understand Italian politics.
A legend of British cinema teams with Italy’s master of screen sensuality to tell a sparkling tale of nostalgia and sorrow.
By Tom Seymour
Paulo Sorrentino and Sean Penn unite for a dark road movie handled with lightness and ease.
Little White Lies was established in 2005 as a bi-monthly print magazine committed to championing great movies and the talented people who make them. Combining cutting-edge design, illustration and journalism, we’ve been described as being “at the vanguard of the independent publishing movement.” Our reviews feature a unique tripartite ranking system that captures the different aspects of the movie-going experience. We believe in Truth & Movies.
