Scottsdale International Film Festival 2008

Silvio Soldini’s latest film has the feel of a play by Arthur Miller at his best. Elsa learns that her husband Michele is out of work and has been forced from the business he founded. This comes when it ought to be a time for rejoicing: Elsa, no spring chicken, has just been awarded a hard-earned degree in art history. She is the verge of proving conclusively that the badly neglected fresco she took on as her thesis project is the work of a master. That’s when her life comes crashing down. The family is in debt—really in debt—living from day to day on scraps. No wonder their alienated daughter would rather live with her boyfriend. Elsa must give up the restoration project to take whatever job she can get. When she finally gets a good job, her boss hits on her. What should she do? Michele is a sullen loser, full of pride and self-pity, the typical Italian male of the last century unwilling to cope with the new world order. DAYS AND CLOUDS is so realistic in its presentation of Italy today that it’s surprising that Silvio Berlusconi hasn’t censored it. ~ Nick Salerno

AWARDS: David Di Donatello Award – Best Actress / Best Supporting Actress