MovieChat Forums > Il commissario Montalbano (1999) Discussion > Spoiler: Francois, Livia, and Salvo in ...

Spoiler: Francois, Livia, and Salvo in Una Lama Di Luce

posted 8 years ago by inquiryworks
2 replies | jump to latest

I was crushed, scared and grossed out by the end of this... on several levels. I now sense that I may have missed the point... or taking everything too seriously.

That said, I guess I'm disappointed that a Detective as sophisticated as Montalbano would bring his girlfriend to a potential crime scene with possible terror squad creeps. I also was surprised that the dream in the beginning was a foreshadowing of the end, and that somehow this "dreams predict life theme" wasn't superstitious, trite or an easy rewrite to a tricky end. And that Livia's depression foreshadowed Francois death that she had to discover in such a tragic way... that she had to see him in the casket/box.

I'm disappointed at the last few episodes. The plots seem jumpy and relying a lot on silly relationships with women. Then they end in 2 minutes. It sounds so severe.... ? I'm still hoping for more.

[–] inquiryworks 8 years ago

So, I've calmed down. I watched Making of Montalbano. That and other info. mentioned the Italian tradition of commedia del arte, and exaggeration; of the lack of people or cars, and the extreme Sicilian light and dark of the production being dream-like; and some of the women representing an ideal innocent or the evil temptress to follow a tradition in literature; ... I should look for a bit more depth than the typical American cop show. Comments?

[–] phlbrq58 8 years ago

After binging on Broen, Wallander and Zatoichi I encountered Montalbano. The contrast in location, character animation and humor was wonderful. I watched all episodes in two weeks. I agree they degenerated to love interest of the ep in the final half dozen but the character and principle acting remained high and stylish. I'm recommending MHZ as a service worth consideration with this show as the first stop. It was a bit of a vacation for me. Can't say the same for Young Montalbano. Tone and structure are very ernest, hence less interesting to me. Humor is an important ingrediant for me. Glad to share my enthusiasm for this show with someone. I'm going back to those making of extras to see if I can get as much from them as you did.