original title:
Things as They Are
directed by:
cast:
Giulia Pizzi, Miguel Angel Tarditti
screenplay:
Nicola Pesce
music:
Amedeo Pesce, Lara Ingrosso
producer:
production:
country:
Italy
year:
2018
film run:
89'
format:
colour
festivals & awards:
Reinard, a famous actor in his twilight years, publishes a false announcement for a movie screening to attract young girls with spotlight's dream at his house. But something goes wrong when Monika, a beautiful and young aspiring actress, refuses his malicious attentions and, disgusted, runs away crying. For the old actor it's now clear that his seducing abilities are completely gone.Unexpectedly, Monika returns not long after in a different mood, serious and disenchanted. The audition begins and, after reading some scripts chosen by Reinard, Monika notices an old, dusty and handwritten script.
I am Death - Monika says - if tonight I kill you with a knife or a heart attack during sex...
The game seems to be overturned: the predator has become the prey. Monika seems to know many things, always been kept hidden in the life of that famous actor, humiliated, upset, and repentant of his obscure past. In this turmoil of emotions, panic, anger, and fear, Reinard kills Monika just before a heart attack makes him lay pitilessly on the floor. That night, Death really went to find him.
In a twist of doubts Monika's character is confused with the one of Death, without ever being able to figure out how true it is in all this situation. In just one afternoon, the man and the girl stage life, with its miseries and dramas. A reference to the paranormal is the cue to reflect on the fall of existence and the useless vanity not only of the show biz but of the all mankind.