Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > September > 02 > Entry
AGLIFF Review 4: ‘Ciao’
“Ciao”
1 star
The parallels just keep on rolling. The two movies are set in American regional centers without particularly distinct cultures (Dallas, Atlanta), and then introduce comparatively exotic elements (from Italy, Alabama). Both are paced exceedingly slow, which only exacerbates the Coke-flat talents of most of the actors.
Sustained somberness, irrational outbursts of emotion and unexpected intimacies are, of course, perfectly natural responses to death. Yet the makers of these movies are not budding Bergmans. One wants to respect their serious intentions, but the results just don’t merit our trust. Death does not become them.
“Ciao” plays the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival 2:30 p.m. Saturday tat the Alamo Ritz.
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By Cody Hartwell
September 11, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Are you sure you saw the same Ciao that I did? Speaking as a native and gay (former) Dallasite (with a film degree I might ad) I can guarantee the film got the portrayal of the decedent's best friend spot on. The story was not only compelling, but arousing as well. Visually and emotionally. The flatness, dear Mr. Barnes, was not in the film, but in the reviewer. Maybe your heart needs a tune up. Simultaneous inventions happen. Deal with it. And do not fault A merely for the existence of B.
By Claire Cella
September 4, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
While I love the coincidental connection that occurs between the two movies you were sent this weekend, I cannot help but want to know a little more about 'Ciao' and why it received one star. The review seems more focused on comparing the two movies similarities rather than 'Ciao' itself. I do love this line though, "Both are paced exceedingly slow, which only exacerbates the Coke-flat talents of most of the actors." I have never heard Coke-flat before and I think it is one of the most creative adjectives I have heard.
By Marloes Lemsom
September 3, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
The way you describe this movie makes me curious. You describe the beginning of the film until the point where it becomes ' creepy' because the two storylines are similar. In the next part you describe the characteristics of the movie without telling the whole story. The way death influences people's life is beautifully described. It only makes me wonder how the story ends..