Reality (2012) - Matteo Garrone

Luciano is a man who lives a modest life as a fish market salesman.  The father of three daughters and husband to a loving wife, Luciano is a charming man who lives life to the fullest.  When his daughters convince him to tryout for the reality show "Big Brother", Luciano begins to spiral out of control becoming obsessed with the idea to the point that it begins to warp his entire reality.  Matteo Garrone's Reality is a commentary on the nature of fame and celebrity.  When we first meet Luciano he couldn't be less interested in  being on Big Brother but the closer it becomes to being reality the more frantic and obsessed he becomes.  Simply the possibility of fame and fortune drastically changes this happy man into a completely obsessed individual intent on celebrity status.  Garrrone's Reality raises an interesting commentary in that regard, almost arguing that ignorance is bliss while exposing the dark nature of fame and obsession.  The aesthetic of the film is very bright and vivid in a way that beautifully clashes with the rather dark and tragic nature of Luciano's decent into utter-madness.  Of everything, the score of Reality is a truly under-appreciated element of the film, while simplistic, it really aids in giving the whole film a fairytale type tone which is both light but sinister.  Matteo Garron'e Reality is a somewhat comedic, somewhat tragic story about the power of obsession and how quickly they can become the same thing.
7.75/10

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