Watch Aprile

Aprile is a 1998 Italian comedy-drama film directed by and starring Nanni Moretti. The story revolves around the life of Moretti himself, who plays a character named Nanni in the film. Nanni is a filmmaker who is trying to finish his latest film, a political satire that is fraught with difficulties. He is also about to become a father for the first time, which adds another layer of stress to his life. The film follows Nanni as he goes through a series of bizarre and often hilarious adventures in his quest to finish the film and prepare for his new role as a parent.

One of the notable aspects of Aprile is its blend of real-life events and exaggerated fictional elements. Moretti uses his own experiences as a starting point, but then takes liberties with them to create a more absurd and surreal narrative. For example, early in the film, Nanni receives a phone call from former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who wants to cast him as a spokesperson for his political party. While this scenario is clearly fictional, it serves as a commentary on the intersection of politics and media in Italy at the time.

Another key theme in Aprile is the question of what it means to be a parent. As Nanni prepares for the birth of his child, he is constantly questioning his own abilities and worrying about the kind of world his child will inherit. These concerns are mirrored in his work on the political satire, which tackles issues like corruption, violence, and social decay in contemporary Italy.

While Aprile is structured like a narrative film, it also incorporates elements of documentary filmmaking. Throughout the movie, we see snippets of real-life events like the 1996 Italian general election and the Cannes Film Festival. Moretti also includes interviews with various figures in the Italian cultural and political scene, including Toni Servillo, Carlo Mazzacurati, and Giancarlo Giannini. These interviews provide a sense of context and insight into the larger cultural and political issues that the film is engaging with.

At its core, Aprile is a film about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in an uncertain world. Nanni Moretti's character embodies this struggle, as he grapples with questions about his work, his relationships, and his future. The film offers a humorous and poignant look at contemporary Italian society, but also contains universal themes that will resonate with audiences around the world.

Overall, Aprile is a unique and engaging film that blends elements of comedy, drama, and documentary filmmaking. It offers a deep and insightful commentary on contemporary Italian society, while also exploring universal themes about parenthood, creativity, and the search for meaning in life.