New out in Italy is The Vanishing of Pato, a historical mystery which sounds interesting. Here’s a review (by Rory Bonass, Jameson Dublin International Film):
Rocco Mortelliti’s adaptation of Andrea Camilleri’s Sicily set novel starts as a simple detective story, but becomes much more; with sharp social commentary on Italy’s class system, political interference and the true nature of power.
Inspector Ernesto Bellavia (Casagrande) has a mystery on his hands. Local Banker Antonio Pato (Maroré) disappeared after his mock hanging in the Good Friday production of The Passion. Not only is Pato viewed as above reproach by the entire community, he is exceedingly well connected, with those in high places decreeing that this is to be solved instantly. At the same time, local Carabineer Marshal Giummàro (Frassica) feels as though his toes are being stepped on by a Neapolitan who doesn’t even understand the area. Add a religious serial killer, an inconsolable wife and some unruly peasants and you begin to see the intricate tapestry Mortelliti has woven.
The performances all are top drawer, with the growing respect between Bellavia and Giummàro wonderfully played by both actors. The Sicilian countryside is beautifully captured and there are more than a few hilarious scene stealers. Combining elements of Italian farce, detective story and buddy cop movie, The Vanishing of Pato is by turns funny, touching, and joyously entertaining.
It’s not exactly a high profile release, playing in twenty cinemas, but it’s done pretty well on the festival circuit. Camillieri is an important Italian writer who also worked on some films in the sixties without being credited, and there are a handful of familiar faces in the cast (Flavio Bucci from The Working Class Go to Heaven and Suspiria, Nino Frassica from Baaria).