Once upon a time there was a prince who, astride his steed, saved a princess in danger… Who hasn't dreamed of living in a fairy tale? Unfortunately these are not the stories that are told in Bad stories. Here we are talking about reality; of concrete things and as we all know, there are no princes and princesses in everyday life. Brothers D'Innocenzo they created a wrong film, but not in a technical sense. They talked about the suburbs, apparently normal families which, within them, hide dark secrets. Talks about unhappy men, unable to take their lives in hand and who blame family and friends for it, of submissive women, totally devoted to her husband and unable to think for themselves, and to adult children, probably too grown up for their age, the only ones still able to understand what world they are living in.
An abandoned diary
An absurd thing happened to me weeks ago. In the paper bell, together with DVDs and various issues of Tv Sorrisi e Canzoni, I found a little girl's diary. The fact that it was written in green pen made me dismiss it as uninteresting. I start reading it one afternoon and, after getting used to the unripe and dreamy handwriting, I point out to myself that I am interested in it. […] He reaches a certain point, then he doesn't write any further, without warning, and without writing that he would never write again. Maybe he found a better journal or maybe he found a better life. The fact is that I kept that diary, and I continued it, because I liked that life. The following, is inspired by a true story, the true story is inspired by a false story, the false story is not very inspired.
The film is narrated by an external and unknown voice (Max Tortora), who will never get a face. We will only hear it at the beginning and at the end of the film. He will tell us about the stories he is going to tell, about the real ones Bad stories. Anything happy ending and nothing good that wins over evil, only the crudest of realities told without filters. Four families, stuck in an indefinite dimension that - if it were not for the latest generation of telephones and televisions - we would not be able not even to associate a temporal space. Four stories that intertwine, some more in-depth than others, respecting the point of view of Alessia (Giulietta Rebeggiani), the writer of the diary. All the events will take place one after the other in a linear way, through the use of more or less abrupt cuts (which to an inexperienced eye might seem confusing). Only a small detail will make you think of a different, imperceptible timeline. Without making any spoilers, we suggest you do not take anything for granted, not even a simple one program on television.
The characterization of the characters
How long Bad stories dwell on the unfair world of children, unable to live a peaceful life and who are never given freedom of speech, the adult characters are the most characterized. Perhaps for greater comfort on the part of the directors, less able to identify with children, or simply because adults are the main cause of all events. The character of Bruno, played by Elio Germano (winner of the Silver Bear as best actor for the film Volevo Nascondermi). An unemployed father, unable to take charge of his life and that of his family. Stuck in the life of Spinaceto, his South Rome neighborhood, lives the days between anger and despair, pouring out all his frustration against his children and his wife, who is also unable to react. The film shows us how alone the most terrible of events can really move his person.
Very particular also the figure of Gabriel Montesi, in his first important role. His character is Amelio, father of Geremia (particular child of few words) lively and exaggerated in everything. They live together in the countryside, with a house and an old car, but that's enough for him. His son is enough for him and he does everything to see him smile, which is not easy. He will perhaps be the only character to realize that perhaps it is time to change the air for her and her child's sake.
The D'Innocenzo twins and an award-winning screenplay
Winners of the 2020 Silver Bear for Best Screenplay, Fabio e Damiano D'Innocenzo they presented their second film. Bad stories it is incorrect, it shows what many want to hide. A neighborhood invented on the outskirts where everything seems to unfold normally, but which hides a life that is far from perfect. Apart from Elio Germano and Barbara Chichiarelli, the actors are all more or less beginners. The veiled inexperience of the actors, however, is totally obscured by very apt directorial choices. Unusual shots and particularly loud background music lead the viewer to feel a certain sense of annoyance and inadequacy, perfect for the feeling the film has to leave.
In conclusion we find ourselves in front of a film by social criticism, which shows us without any filter an imperfect life typical of the last generation. This lifestyle that still today invades the most hidden suburbs and that many pretend not to see. Bad stories makes sure that all this no longer remains in the shadows, and does in the crudest and strongest way possible. The film, presented at Berlin International Film Festival il February 25 2020, should have been released in theaters on April 16 2020. Postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis, theatrical release has been replaced with digital distribution that began on11 May 2020. You can find it streaming on the following platforms: Sky Primafila Premiere, TIMVision, Infinity, Chile, Google Play, Rakuten Tv e CG Digital.
