JCU film fans explore the human side of the serial killer

 

By Laura Henry

ROME, 27 Nov. – Movies don’t necessarily need a plot, Italian film director Alex Infascelli told film fans on Monday night at John Cabot University’s ongoing film series, “La Meglio gioventù,” or “The Best of Youth.”

Infascelli’s first film "Almost Blue," which was released in 2000, was screened at last night’s event. Afterward, Infascelli commented on his movie.

“Films don’t have to make sense, not in a consequential way,” he said. “Nothing and no one makes sense in life.”

This approach to filmmaking was certainly apparent in his film adaptation of Carlo Lucarelli’s novel. Rather than a logical storyline, Infascelli presented a series of scenes and images that succeeds in shocking, terrifying, and stimulating his audience.

The thriller chronicles the search for a serial killer in Bologna who brutally murders his victims and then assumes their identities. Detective Grazia Negro enlists the help of the blind Simone Martini, who intercepts a chat between the killer and one of his next victims. Soon they are all in danger, and Grazia commits a fatal error that makes the situation worse.

The film is bloody and disturbing at times, with pulsating techno music and loud sound effects that add to the audience’s discomfort. Infascelli, who was a musician for years before he became a director, places great importance on sound in film. For him, sound and image are “fifty-fifty.”

Infascelli’s killer may be horrifying, but the director views him as the most human character in the film.

“It’s not a movie about a serial killer, it’s about a desire,” he said. Unlike other characters, the killer follows his desire.

It may not be noble, but Infascelli didn’t consider right and wrong in his conception. He intended to make a dark movie that encouraged the audience to look at and acknowledge their own dark sides.

But what if the viewers don’t understand his subtlety? Or what if they read too much into it?

Infascelli says he doesn’t mind when people have different interpretations of his films. At times, a review or comment will reveal to him an intention that was previously unconsidered. More importantly, he wants the audience to gain their own understanding of the film, whether it is what he intended or not.

“If instead of making films, I grew bananas, I wouldn’t care how you ate them. Same thing. Once it’s out, it’s your banana.”