The film is split up into three distinct separate parts: 'On my Vespa', 'Islands' and 'Doctors'. 'On my Vespa' follows Nanni as he rides around Rome on his Vespa. In 'Islands' Nanni visits some Mediteranian islands where he meets some friends: Gerardo- A scholar who doesn't watch TV, A couple with a spoilt and overly indulged child and the mayor of Stromboli. Lastly 'Doctors' shows Nanni travelling to different doctors and medical experts to cure an itch. Strange story huh? I bet you are thinking the dreaded 'P word' (pretentious) but it isn't... that much...
The dialogue feels similar to a Woody Allen film, and is very random. In many scenes, Nanni talks to random strangers about bizarre topics (like the TV soap "The Bold and the Beautiful"), but the strangest thing is they talk back to him, normally, as if they don't think he is insane. Maybe because the film is what he is thinking about when writing the diary? As the title suggests, Nanni narrates his diary over the film.
The scenery is perfect. Some of the areas in Rome Nanni was travelling through in the first third, were rough and worn down. They would have looked terrible in most other films, but there is something wonderfully hypnotising about the cinematography during this part. The camera literally follows him, as he rides his Vespa in front. I don't know how, but this combined with the inane stories and vignettes create a rather enjoyable experience. The second third is set on the very exotic and beautiful 'Aeolian Islands', 'Stromboli' and the desolate 'Alicudi'. Nanni tries to find peace and quiet on these islands but other things get in the way. The final third is surprisingly depressing. The film is very enjoyable and beautiful up to that point, but the constant doctors appointments is darkly satirical and quite sad. Due to every movie, you think Nanni is invincible as he is the hero of the story. When it turns out something is seriously wrong, it makes the film so bitter and painful. It hits back the harsh realities of life, which the earlier parts of the film seems to be in an almost fantasy world.
Normally I am against films being mentioned in films as it breaks the fourth wall and it feels like the scriptwriter doesn't know what normal people talk about, so he just lets them talk about films as that is the only conversation starter he knows. But it is acceptable here, as it is, firstly, kind of like an autobiography and, secondly, the films he talks about are quite interesting. Especially travelling to the place Pasolini was assassinated.
TO CONCLUDE
A profound, scenic and rather strange film. A distinctive and autobiographical perspective on life.
SCORE
81
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