Silvio Forever

Watching SIlvio Forever, the “unauthorized biography”of Italy’s ex-Prime Minister, I learned one thing for sure – Berlusconi would be perfect for a reality show here in the US. He’s funny (when he’s trying to be and when he’s not), he refers to himself in the third person in a really catchy way, and has a grandiose opinion of himself that would fit right in with the Dance Moms and the Kardashians. If Donald Trump was half as entertaining as Berlusconi he’d be my favorite television personality.

He’s an easy target! So why is he so easily missed?

I’m not sure why Italy is unable to truly go for Berlusconi’s throat; are they too polite? Come to Ohio, Italians, and see how it’s done; these last days before our elections is the perfect time to witness how low politicians can sink, the vitriol towards an opponent, and the no holds barred attacks.

Or maybe they’re just afraid, and who could really blame them, of angering the great and powerful Bunga Bunga King? Maybe directors Roberto Faenza and Filiappo Macellonireally wanted to do a biting exposé but decided to do it using only the real words of Berlosconi and actual video footage because they are too scared to spell it out themselves. Was it just me, or did I hear someone whispering in the background; “What’s wrong with you people? Berlusconi’s a pervert! He’s a thief, a mafia puppet, and a narcissist! But I can’t say this out loud since he’s in control of most of the media in Italy and I want to work in this country!” Maybe they’re sending it to us in code.

Silvio Forever, tells us a lot about Italy’s biggest egomaniac that we already knew, or at least have heard, but there were no real, “OH MY GOD YOU’RE KIDDING ME!” moments. Maybe crossing the ex-president is just so darned scary and that the act of courage it took in the making of the film is more important than breaking any new ground. Baby steps.

I really think Nanni Moretti has an anti-Berlusconi movie left in him, one that can blow away his previous attempt, Il Caimano. Il Caimano was a decent movie but still a rather feeble satire that took pot-shots without leaving Moretti too exposed.

Let’s all double dog dare Nanni Moretti to make a truly biting lampoon of Silvio Berlusconi. Somebody really should. Will it have to wait until Berlusconi dies?