If there is one gleaming message in the desolate heart-puller that is “Vincere,” it’s this: marry a fascist and expect to get screwed.
Vincere is Italian for “win,” and that’s pretty much the opposite of what happens to the supposed first wife of Benito Mussolini, Ida Dalser (Giovanno Mezzogiorno).
She sells all her possessions to help fund Mussolini’s first newspaper, and in the process inadvertently helps the rise of fascism.
As any torrid love affair should become, things get hot really quick. However, as anyone dating a future dictator should expect, there are obligatory “red flags,” so to speak.
In a particularly intense scene, Mussolini (Filippo Timi) is fleeing police with a massive, bleeding head wound. Any normal woman would probably not find this particularly sexy, but Dalser takes advantage of the opportunity to sneak in a quick makeout sesh.
Aroused by his political passions and activism in the Socialist party, Dalser supported Mussolini financially and even gave birth to their son in 1915.
Mussolini eventually found his true calling during World War I, and like any good man who elevates his position in life, leaves Dalser in the dust.
Dalser, being the type of woman who gets turned on by head wounds, never gets over it.
Mussolini was a stone cold killer and wasn’t having any of that, so he put her in a psychiatric hospital where she eventually died. Oh, and little Benito died in an insane asylum as well at age 26.
Spliced into the melodrama of the film are historical clips of Mussolini in all his tyrant-like glory. A stark reminder of the harshness and dark reality of the man and his era.
Juxtaposed against the raids and bombings are the intense emotions and passions the two actors at first convey, then lose. It is a tragic tale of love found and lost, but a convincing one.
Though heart-wrenching at times, the film deals with broad and intense subject matter in a way that punches you in the gut and still leaves you wanting more.
“Vincere” has been making the rounds and winning awards, as well. It took Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Cinematography at the Chicago International Film Festival.
So if you’re looking for something light and fluffy, this particular film may not be your cup of tea. But if you want to be challenged by an unconventional love story that makes you think, by all means have a drink.
“Vincere” opens at the Hippodrome State Theatre downtown Friday with two showings at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The film runs until May 27. For more movie times visit thehipp.org/cinema/.
