REVIEW: 'The Salt of Life'

Italian comedy from 59-year-old writer/director/star Gianni Di Gregorio (Mid-August Lunch) about a man who lives with his mother, wife and daughter, but realises he is the only one without a love life... Now playing nationwide, click for movie times and trailer.
--------------------------------------------------

Like Italian writer-director-and-star Di Gregorio’s 2008 Mid-August Lunch,The Salt of Life is another effortlessly charming slice-of-life celebration of aging. Hand-held camerawork gives it a near fly-on-the-wall documentary feel as we follow his character’s more than midlife crisis, with the film populated by both Lunch’s gaggle of geriatric ladies and bella bambinas at every turn (there’s more cleavage on display here than your average butchery competition).

Although at times almost (James) Joycian with its portentous and dialogue-lite storyline, Salt also has echoes of mid to late 1990s men’s tales Grumpy Old Men and American Beauty in its hero’s search to regain his masculinity. As well as featuring another scene-stealing performance from the now 96-year-old star De Franciscis (playing Gianni’s poker-obsessed mother), it also has the Robert Mitchum meets Albert Finney-esque Di Gregorio at the top of his game and a host of other colourful characters (Maurizio – Gianni’s tracksuited rival and the local aged lothario is a particular hoot).

Ratchev and Carratello’s accordion-infused soundtrack adds to the upbeat atmosphere, while Di Gregorio’s direction is fluid and pacy, ensuring the film never outstays its welcome and yet retains its memorability. Swingers for sexagenarians, Salt is perfect for older audiences who like a little spice in their cinematic offerings.

• Watch trailer for The Salt of Life
• More on The Salt of Life