Naples in Veils

That was possibly the worst movie i have ever seen. films with gay and lesbian characters can do extremely well at the box-office, so director ozpetek tried to shock moviegoers with this "mysterious and sensational" movie at the cryptic and (do not know why) dark and decadent world of naples. this supposedly noir-erotic drama generated in me nothing but annoyance: napoli velata, promised steamy situations thanks to its title but plot only delivered boredom and predictability. what also makes this badly watchable is that ozpetek shoots every scene on a weird angle, so many actors were really, really ugly. it's impossible not to be somehow grossed out and a little bit puzzled that ozpetek tried to fulfill this ambition with an inexistent plot, static characters (I thought they had dark side... but they're just vulgar, sloppy, embarrassing) and ugly, coarse and melodramatic actors. i think that his view about naples is completely wrong and ultimately injurious.

There are some movies that just aren't meant to be understood, Napoli Velata is one of them without a doubt. Maybe it doesn't have the most amazing plot, it's quite intricate, but I found that the best thing about this movie is the breathtaking sceneries that the city offers, even if just inside a house. Many have said that it doesn't feel whole because Naples is barely there, but I think that the film just shows a different version of the city that perhaps the "outsiders'" eye can't catch and isn't used to. I was born in this city and one thing that really moved me is actually the way the city is depicted. It's impressive how Ozpetek managed to take the city and use it as the protagonist but at the same time as the background to the story. It's evidently the point of view of someone that went well beyond the stereotypes (finally) and deep into the roots of the culture and the customs, elements that very much characterize a Neapolitan's identity such as theatre, superstitions and numbers. The movie doesn't want to give a definitive and defined definition of what it shows and I really appreciated it.

A mystery play set in the Naples with unmistakably European flavor, if you've watched Italian giallo it's hard not to see gentle nods to that direction. The plot mystery and hints at side plots however don't get exhausted can feel frustrating for more straight forward Hollywood oriented storytelling perhaps. Some audience might not get that. In here every shown picture and each piece of mystery isn't used and explained and they're not really ment to satisfy curiosity - but rather add to it. Veil it, instead of unveiling, if you please.

Another gem from Ferzan Ozpetek. It brings a taste of a fairy tale. I absolutely loved this movie.

In theatre, they call it "suspending disbelief". That is an art of the audience of which many Americans have lost their talent. The Europeans, less so. If you are willing to suspend your disbelief; to play in the world of possibility, of love, of romance, of momentary insanity, and redemptive goodness, then this film is for you.

No, it doesn't hand you the answers on a silver platter, but what fun is knowing the certainty when the unknown, the mystery, is so rich in possibility?

For those willing and able to play, to be compassionate to, in brief, be a little more European, this film will please you in every aspect of the word.