Keswick Film Club - Reviews - L’immensità

The film shown at the Keswick Film Club on Sunday, "L'immensita", was a story of growing up in 70s Italy. Set in Rome, the picture follows the life of Clara (Penelope Cruz), a depressed wife and mother of three who is married to an abusive, philandering and often disconnected husband, and her attempts to cope with her circumstances. Clara loves her children dearly, but the young ones all have challenges of their own, especially the oldest, a teen who is struggling with gender identity issues. Clara and the children seek various forms of escape, as depicted in several fantasy and playing sequences which are all captured with a terrific sense of humour.

The film also questions the Italian culture prevalent at the time – the role of men and the expected subservience of women. With so much going on it's difficult for the narrative to hold together, so we are left with a story which seems incomplete. Several sequences are not developed, and we are left confused, such as the house catching fire but given no context or connection. The two main threads – the marriage and the child's difficulties – are not fleshed out and so do not have the impact they might. Many of the individual segments are excellent and give true insights into the life of the family and the culture, but the lack of cohesion leaves you disappointed by what you feel could have been a much better film.