NEROLIO European Union Film Showcase

Nerolio could have been titled “A few
days in the life of Pasolini.” A fact-faithful
documentary could not better convey the
controversial texture of the late Italian
director’s work and persona. Grimaldi’s
protagonist is a world-renowned poet and
director whose last film has been rejected
by the critics. When asked about the
depth of the negative critical response, the
poet answers “Because I tell about the
abyss of mankind.” The poet, who lives
with his mother, searches the nights for
venal pretty young boys. He does not, as
he states, merely look for fun and sex but
for warmth, love and life. If we can understand
the depth of that emotion (adduced
by Grimaldi’s deeply sensual and loving
black and white images), then we have
proven that our views about homosexuality
have changed since Pasolini’s controversial
death. When Nerolio concludes
with the rendering of the poet’s murder, we
feel the tragic loss of one of Italy’s greatest
directors.