Joker, Tuttapposto, and Thanks: Three Italian Film Releases Reviewed

Todd Phillips' Joker, winner of the Golden Lion at the 76th Venice Film Festival, arrives in Italian theaters on October 3, 2019, a day before its US release. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic DC villain, exploring his descent into madness. Due to concerns over mass shootings, US authorities, including in New York and Los Angeles, have increased security at screenings, a decision some deem excessive. The film is seen as a critique of societal neglect rather than an incitement to violence. Meanwhile, Italian cinema offers two smaller releases: Tuttapposto, directed by and starring Roberto Lipari, is a comedy about a university student rebelling against nepotism and the 'baronato' system, featuring a TripAdvisor-like app for rating professors. It is distributed by Medusa Film. Thanks!, adapted from the play Thanks for Vaselina, features Antonio Folletto and Luca Zingaretti alongside the original cast. The film portrays a group of flawed, unstable characters who ultimately unite, offering a raw depiction of society. It opens in only 10 independent theaters, reflecting its limited distribution.