Se ami qualcuno dillo

In homage to the pedagogical tradition that characterises Italian cinema – even that which is passed off as comedy – the imperative is already in the title. And the word ‘amore’ is also prominently displayed. The other vices – the ‘ci conosciamo tutti’ attitude, for example; at the Venice Film Festival, every Italian actor had a couple of films in which they played the lead role – remain behind the scenes. Director Marco Bonini helms a story adapted from his book – which shares the same title and was published by Longanesi. The ending is predictable from the outset. The womaniser Edoardo Leo – in the film he’s called Sergio, father to a Giulio and son of another Giulio who died young – has a girlfriend (Claudia Gerini) suffering from a brain tumour. And a separated ex-wife (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) now on the verge of marrying someone else – all that’s missing is a signature. We see him in bed with a third, unidentified young woman, and that is where he is struck by the fatal stroke. ‘Stiletto’ – the lady from upstairs – will also arrive. He is in a coma; perhaps he will recover, or perhaps not – it is impossible to know in advance where the stroke has caused damage. We will find out very soon: we haven’t forgotten the film’s title, nor its educational aims. The man who couldn’t kiss – as his wife complains – now that he’s become a child again, kisses constantly. He’s become a real softie. The only passion that’s remained unchanged is his love of football – this, too, will play a part in his rehabilitation.