Ennio (2024)

Direction: Giuseppe Tornatore
Country: Italy 

This illuminating, elucidative, and enthralling documentary delves into the life and work of Ennio Morricone, the most popular and prolific composer of the 20th Century. Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso, 1988; The Legend of 1900, 1998), the film establishes a genuine closeness with the artist. Classic in form yet highly informative, it is neatly structured and strikes a perfect balance. Tornatore skillfully intersperses interviews with key figures such as filmmakers, musicians, screenwriters, and collaborators, alongside insightful footage fragments from Morricone's different career phases.

Throughout the documentary, viewers uncover treasures from the legendary composer's journey. Morricone's father initially envisioned him following in his footsteps as a trumpet player, never imagining he would become one of the greatest film scorers in history. Described as enigmatic, discreet, serious, crazy, and innovative, Morricone candidly discusses his frustrations and triumphs, expressing only one regret: not collaborating with Stanley Kubrick on his 1971 masterpiece, Clockwork Orange. Despite grappling with criticism and feelings of guilt due to his involvement in film, the composer pushed himself even harder, consistently displaying originality and a penchant for experimentation.

Ennio takes audiences on an emotional journey without descending into melodrama, partially thanks to the masterful editing by Massimo Quaglia and Annalisa Schillaci, who keep things fluid and interesting. After watching this documentary, viewers may find themselves drawn deeper into Morricone's brilliant soundtracks and compelled to explore his musical genius further.

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2023)

Direction: Austin Bragg, Meredith Bragg
Country: USA 

Considered a game of chance in the 1970’s, pinball was banned for 35 years in New York. Roger Sharpe was the man who managed to overturn that drastic measure when he moved to the city with the intent of becoming a writer. This true story is at the center of the Bragg Brothers’ biopic Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game.

Active since the mid 2000’s, the pair of directors finally make their debut feature with a biographical comedy that, following traditional narrative procedures, gains momentum with enchanting well-written dialogues and a smart structure. It’s also romantic in its own way, and an optimistic confection, sometimes frothy, sometimes exceptional, that feels like it might have sprung from the era it portrays. 

Creatively told, the story acquires a dazzling motion while purposely exaggerating the documentary within the film versus the facts, realistically expressed by Mr. Sharpe of our days (Dennis Boutsikaris). The young Sharpe, owner of a peculiar mustache and vivid manners, is played by Mike Faist (West Side Story, 2021), who makes a wonderful pair with Crystal Reed (Teen Wolf: The Movie, 2023), the love of his life. 

The Braggs inject a few drops of acid into what would be a simple story, turning it somewhat cartoonish but seductively amusing. Pinball won’t be among your standard biopics but rather a favorably low-key portrait whose well-oiled mechanisms intend to divert as much as inform.