Freaks Out – Review of the epochal film by Gabriele Mainetti

Epochal seems almost a trivial term to describe the importance of the brand new film by Gabriel Mainetti, in fact, it brings with it more than you can imagine. It is not a simple film, but a cinematic work of art that will surely go down in history. Here is our review with all the details and curiosities about the new fantastic drama Freaks Out.

Many are eagerly awaiting the release of the feature film, arriving in cinemas since 28 October 2021, distributed by 01 Distribution and produced by the director himself in collaboration with Lucky Red. The presence of Claudio Santamaria, in the character of the wolf-man Fulvio, which brings with it a completely different role from Mainetti’s first debut film: They called him Jeeg Robot. The director and producer, since his first film, has kicked off something completely new never seen in Italy, taking home a multitude of awards including: David by Donatello And Silver Ribbon as best new director, David by Donatello as the best producer and many more.

The young woman Aurora Giovinazzo (Matilde) will be the protagonist in Freaks Out, backed by Pietro Castellitto And Giancarlo Martini in the respective roles of Rag And Mario, in this super cast we also find Giorgio Tirabassi in the guise of Israel, Max Mazzotti in the role del Gobbo and German Franz Rogowski as the antagonist Franz. Mainetti does not sign this title only for the direction, but also for the screenplay – written together with Nicola Guaglianone – and for the music, in collaboration with Michele Braga.

Plot, characters and curiosities

Rome 1943, the Second World War brings death and destruction with it. Israel runs the circus company Mezzapiotta, managing – with his magic shows – to bring a smile to the people. Among the adventure companions of the master are: the nano magnet Mario, Cencio the boy who controls the insects, the wolf man Fulvio and the very young electric girl Matilde. Tired of the destruction that war brings, they decide to head overseas, but the sudden disappearance of Israel will change their plans. With no alternatives, they choose to join the German circus company of Franz, famous twelve-fingered pianist, able to see the future through the inhalation of the ether. The four friends do not know, however, that Franz has a very specific plan: to use their powers to change the outcome of the war and the fate of Germany.

“It was a master in acting and directing, it was a very complicated set and seeing Gabriele every day who, despite the difficulties, managed to keep his vision intact was an example that I will always carry inside.“. Pietro Castellitto explains in an interview.

“It took more than four hours a day to get my character makeup ready. ”Says the actor Claudio Santamaria.

“Surely I created Matilde’s universe thanks to the unconscious help of the other actors and above all with the fundamental help of Gabriele “. Instead, Aurora Giovinazzo tells us.

A story of super powers and magic

Italy enters the international cinema circle thanks to this new work by Mainetti. The direction, the music, the photography, the interpretations, everything is one of a kind; a visual experience that transports Italian cinema to another dimension. There magic and thefriendship are the undisputed protagonists of this feature film, which transport the viewer on a breathtaking adventure, where the main characters are not mere circus performers, but unique personalities with extraordinary powers. The director’s stylistic choice in the use of dialects, in particular of Roman dialect, it’s like a fingerprint, a signature. In fact, the choice of almost contemporary dialogues, as opposed to the time, does not disturb at all, on the contrary, it enhances the scene giving a strong sense of truth to the characters.

Already from the initial scene, in which the characters and their powers are presented, the sweetness and the magical atmosphere lead the viewer to immerse themselves in a new reality, a reality that is immediately distorted with the detachment of the next tape, which shows the contrast of the magical world. The interpretation of each individual character is beautiful, the various stories are well harmonized with each other, allowing you to enjoy everything and immerse yourself completely in the story.

The character of Fulvio, the wolf-man, who allowed a Claudio Santamaria to show an interpretative side never seen until now; fascinating the irony and simplicity of the character of Pietro Castellitto (Cencio), which together with Aurora Giovinazzo (Matilde) shows us a vision of pure and naive love. The role of the dwarf magnet Mario, played with great refinement by Giancarlo Martini, which shows us a real mask of the commedia dell’arte, without reducing it to a simple speck. At the end, Franz Rogowski in the role of the German pianist Franz, his interpretation is spectacular from every point of view, the union between sweetness and stubbornness of this character, push the viewer to empathize with him, despite the cruelty of his choices.

The themes addressed in the film are various, in particular Mainetti highlights themes such as: social diversity, racism and self-acceptance. Each character individually faces a journey to discover the awareness of their powers and limitations up to the acceptance of their diversity.