The funny thing about about Don’t Move, Non Ti Muovere, is that Italian women that I know have described it as “romantic” and my American women friends have never really forgiven me for suggesting it to them. Is this a difference in Italian and English semantics or its culture? I mean, do the words “romantic” and “romantico” mean very different things or does being romantic/ romantico mean two different things to two different nationalities?
It was first a very dark, disturbing book written by Margaret Mazzantini and then it became a very dark, disturbing movie directed by and starring her husband Sergio Castellitto who plays Timoteo, a prominent surgeon/debaucher. His co-star is Penelope Cruz in one of the most unflattering roles ever in the history of the movies – Italia, the prostitute. It is obvious to me after seeing Non Ti Muovere that this actress cares more about acting than being a movie star and I mean this in a very good way.
Watching Non Ti Muovere is a little like watching Texas Chainsaw Massacre in that through much of it you want to look away, and it makes your stomach hurt so much that you wonder whose idea it was to rent this thing in the first place. The sex scenes are brutal and not really all that sexy, in fact, the first one is a really hard to watch rape (not that any are that easy, but, you know.)
For me it’s not about the sex but the really messed up relationship between Timoteo and Italia; why do either of them do what they do? Is any part of this love? One thing for sure, Timoteo is a selfish prick, but is there anything redeeming in him?
And Italia. Italia, Italia, Italia – you seem so tough and yet surrender so willingly to this otherwise pussywhipped man ? Are you just another damaged human expecting nothing more in life?
I have a hard time recommending this movie any more but not because I don’t like it. I love it. I’m just tired of the look on everyone’s face when they tell me they’ve watched it – and the realization that they aren’t going to listen to anything I have to say anymore. The fact is, watching Non Ti Muovere is work, but work that is good for you and ultimately rewarding. It’s a fascinating story acted out in startling, exceptional performances.
So there.
2004 – Director: Sergio Castellitto
Writers: Margaret Mazzantini (novel), Margaret Mazzantini (screenplay)
Stars: Penélope Cruz, Sergio Castellitto and Claudia Gerini
I Love Italian Everything 