- Viva la libertа 2013

The leader of Italy’s opposition party drops out of sight and is replaced by his bipolar identical twin, fresh from the madhouse, in Roberto Ando’s timely political dramedy “Viva la liberta” (Long Live Freedom). Anchored by Toni Servillo’s usual consummate performance(s), this winking critique of Italian politics offers several pleasurable digs at the establishment, though its staid craftsmanship and general lack of vitriol don’t provide the bite most politically inclined auds will expect. Timing should have been key, considering national elections were held one week after the pic’s release, yet local B.O. has been just OK.