Italian men are said to be extraordinarily attached to their
mothers, and we see this in “Mid-August Lunch,” a delightful movie by director
Gianni Di Gregorio. Gregorio also plays Gianni, a middle-aged wreck of a man
living with his 93-year-old mother in a condo in the heart of Rome. Gianni is
an alcoholic, has fallen on hard times, and can’t pay his condo fees. The
building manager, knowing he has Gianni on the ropes, will forgive some of the
debts if Gianni will take care of his elderly mother for a day or so. So over
comes another ancient lady–actually two ancient ladies–because an aunt has been
thrown in as well. Gianni feels ill, and, as one thing leads to another, finds
himself also caring for the doctor’s mother. The strength of this movie is that
instead of it being just a situation comedy, we come to know four women of
great charm and character. They, too, are unsettled by this unexpected turn of
events, which could be seen as one of the indignities of old age. Gianni’s mother
insists that they have a nice meal, to be prepared by the long-suffering Gianni
and his friend. The tablecloth is laid, the wine is chilled, they feast, and toast
to life. Under the spell of this wonderful meal, suddenly, the ladies are not
old; Gianni has no problems, and they are simply enjoying life. Then another
problem arises: the ladies don’t want to leave!
This is a warm-hearted and life-affirming movie that has
lots of smiles. Some critics have called this movie a “trifle,” and, while it
isn’t a grand drama, cooks, who know the profound part food plays in human
affairs, will only smile at this characterization. You may also want to watch
the accompanying film short, in which the director visits the ladies, played by
real life women Valeria DeFranciscis, Maria Cali, Marina Cacciotti, and Grazia Cesarini Sforza.
And be sure not to miss the recipe for Aunt Maria’s Pasta al forno, included in the DVD notes. Deliziosa!
