The Salt of Life

The Salt of Life

Fantastic! Humorous! Pathos! Wonderful!
Writer/Director/ Actor Gianni Di Gregorio is brilliant. This delightful film takes place in Rome. It has more of the feeling of a small quaint village.
Gianni is in his fifties and is an early retiree. He is the ‘salt of the earth’. He would do anything for anyone and as such everyone takes advantage of him.
His wife gives him endless lists of things to do. His mother is a character beyond belief. She has the weathered face of an old lady. She dresses in her finery with way too many gaudy jewels. Her makeup is overdone. She constantly asks favors of Gianni. In one episode he is asked to serve the lunch to her card playing fancy lady friends. She calls him over to adjust the TV. She lives in a splendid manor house with beautiful gardens. Yet, she is not willing to help her son out financially. There is much concern when she signs over the deed to her attractive ‘lady housemaid/companion.
Gianni looks after the dog of his downstairs neighbor. She is a flirty beautiful young woman. She also takes advantage of his good nature.
Gianni loves to observe the women on the street when he goes about his business. He still has an eye for a woman but takes no action. It is obvious that at home he and his wife are only companions.
He is jealous of the old man who sits in the street at the cafe with his buddies. The man is having an affair with the young attractive store clerk.
There is so much humor. Underlying the funny incidents is the story of a man who retired too early and is finding life meaningless. He isn’t contributing to the world in any significant way and he is used by everybody. This is never funny.
Gianni is a superb actor. His warm smile would ’melt your heart.’ Anyone would love to have him for a neighbor.
Even his lawyer friend takes advantage. Gianni always ends up with the bill. On one occasion the lawyer invites two exotic, bombastic female twins to join them for lunch. It obviously is an expensive place and Gianni pays the bill.
I wanted to yell out.” Enough already.” It was difficult to see him being used by everybody.
At the same time the film is totally delightful. I loved all the scenes in Rome. The mother is such a character. The stereotypes of the men sitting at the café are truly funny.
This is so obviously a European film. There is much talent and much delight.