La Scomparsa di Patò  (The Vanishing of Patò) ICFF Special Feature Film Toronto

Director Rocco Mortelliti’s adaptation of Andrea Camilleri’s novel, set in Sicily, starts as a simple detective story in 1890 with the disappearance of local banker Antonio Patò (Neri Marcoré). The story becomes much more than a detective story with sharp social commentary on Italy’s class system, political interference and the true nature of power.

The performance of The Public Safety Officer / Inspector Ernesto Bellavia (Maurizio Casagrande) and Royal Carabinieri Marshal Giummaro (Nino Frassica) is a top drawer; the growing respect between Bellavia and Giummàro is wonderfully played by both actors. Combining elements of Italian farce, detective story and buddy cop movie, and there are more than a few hilarious scene-stealers. I particularly enjoyed the scene where both Carabinieri and Inspector are having coffee at Mrs. Patò, priceless. The Sicilian countryside is beautifully captured. Vanishing of Patò is by turns funny, touching, and joyously entertaining.

Cast: Nino Frassica, Maurizio Casagrande, Neri Marcorè, Flavio Bucci, Danilo Formaggia, Roberto Herlitzka, Gilberto Idonea, Simona Marchini, Alessandra Mortelliti, Francis Pardeilhan

Christophe Chanel