BAGLIORI (Flashes of Light)

Mattia Paone / Italy / 11 minutes

Synopsis

"[Martina] comes back to the village where she was born, leaving everything behind. She carries with her a secret that the place of her origins will reveal."

What first strikes in « Bagliori » is its softness, and its deep sincerity. Thrifty with words just like with situations, Mattia Paone’s film chooses to give prominence to an overall sensation, sometimes dreamy sometimes wistful, but always with a comforting warmth. The script could have given the audience a little more to chew over; however, it’s part of the artistic project— and yet, despite a serene pace, those 11 minutes surprisingly fly by.

The concept is lovely. Photography, frames, editing: all of these elements stay elegant and enjoyable. The choice of the landscapes, clothes, props, plus a few other details, contribute to the poetic & appeasing atmosphere. Technique rather fails with some of the sound-takes (or their mixing), although the music enhances the whole thing.

Let’s also notice that the acting, without impairing the experience, at times feels clumsy. Only one flash-back scene with three characters (P. Gatti / A. Ianni / R. Leonzi) will very opportunely add a touch of realism.

N.B.— As indicated with the square brackets hereinabove, we readjust the synopsis for this article… because the official version (in the entry form, or on IMDb for instance) gives the first name Federica, which is the main actress’s name, not the character’s. Strange! Verbal slip-up or voluntary merge with reality?

Conclusion

A short-film sweet and frugal like a solitary summer afternoon.

U.N.

« Bagliori » joins official selection for the Little Croco Festival’s third edition, nominated in the Drama category.

Trailer: