Italian poet, director and playwright Aldo Braibanti is jailed in 1968 due to a fascist-era anti-gay law. A journalist is determined to discover the truth, facing suspicion and censorship.
In Gianni Amelio's Lord of the Ants, we are transported to 1960s Italy to uncover the compelling story of Aldo Braibanti, an Italian playwright, poet, and director who found himself imprisoned due to a consensual relationship with a younger student. This film serves as a poignant mirror reflecting the dark realities of Italian history, offering an eloquent yet heart-wrenching portrayal of the injustices suffered by gay men during that period.
Amelio's narrative mastery unveils a world plagued by institutional intolerance and societal bias. The film does not shy away from the painful truths of the era, casting a harsh light on the struggles and prejudices faced by those who dared to love against societal norms.
One of the film's standout features is the outstanding performances of its three leading actors, including the impressive Luigi Lo Cascio and the rising star Leonardo Maltese. Their portrayals breathe life into the characters, infusing them with authenticity and depth. Additionally, the meticulously crafted period costumes and sets transport viewers back to the 1960s, immersing them in the film's world.
While the script, penned by Amelio along with Edoardo Petti and Federico Fava, attempts to draw parallels with the world of tiny imprisoned insects, it is the film's classical approach and Luigi Lo Cascio's dignified performance that elevates it to a quietly stirring depiction of institutional intolerance. The courtroom drama, inspired by actual transcripts, provides a gripping insight into the prosecution's clever tactics as they sought to discredit Braibanti.
What stands out in the courtroom scenes is the prosecution's clever manoeuvring, using creative wording to target gay Italians under laws that did not explicitly criminalize homosexuality. This historical context adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the pervasive prejudice of the time.
The film also casts a critical eye on the Italian family structure, laying bare the extreme cruelty inflicted upon a queer son rather than acknowledging the truth. The early scenes poignantly establish Aldo's loving relationship with his partner Ettore, and the subsequent electroshock treatment sequences are hauntingly intense.
Lord of the Ants weaves in elements of myrmecology, the study of ant colonies, as metaphors for tight-knit communities, collective well-being, and unity. These elements add layers of complexity to the narrative, offering a thought-provoking exploration of human dynamics.
While the film's initial act may feel fragmented and disjointed, it gains momentum as it progresses, particularly during the courtroom sequences. The film's focus on Braibanti's quiet yet unwavering stand for his sexuality resonates powerfully.
Lord of the Ants may not delve deeply into the more sensual aspects of its subject's life, but it places emphasis on Braibanti's academic and political resistance in the face of adversity. While it may not cater to explicit tastes, its deliberate pacing and courtroom drama make it a captivating and intellectually stimulating experience.
Lord of the Ants is a moving exploration of a dark period in Italian history. It unearths the injustices endured by gay individuals in the 1960s, serving as a platform for reflection on the ongoing fight for equality. With its remarkable performances and historical significance, this film serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the battle against oppression.
Lord of the Ants was in selected NZ cinemas from July 27, 2023, as part of the Italian Film Festival