Scherzetto review
Venice film festivalThe Venice fixture plays an illustrator haunted by his boyhood in Mario Martone’s part spooky, part sentimental oddity
TL;DR
- The film centers on Daniele, an illustrator returning to his childhood home in Naples.
- Daniele is working on illustrations for Henry James's 'The Jolly Corner' and 'The Odyssey'.
- He struggles with his art becoming too dark and gloomy.
- While babysitting his grandson, Mario, Daniele confronts his past and childhood fears, including a balcony he dreaded.
- The film attempts to blend spooky and sentimental tones but is described as a tonal oddity and a misfire.