at St. Anthony Main Theater brought to you by the MSP Film Society.
Italy • 76 min • Italian w/English subtitles • 2012 • Drama • 35mm • PG-13
Directed by: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani
Winner of the Golden Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival, Caesar Must Die
follows the inmates of the high-security Rebibbia prison as they
rehearse a performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Critically
lauded, this festival highlight is an absolute must-see.
Shakespeare’s scenes play out in the prison cells and courtyard, as
inmates let the rehearsals infiltrate their day-to-day lives. Tensions
rumble to the surface as the play unearths suppressed feelings.
Veteran filmmakers the Taviani brothers delve back into the docudrama
territory of their 1977 Palme d’Or winner Padre padrone. Performed by
convicted criminals, the film blurs the boundaries between drama and
reality. Working as an actor since his release from Rebibbia, Salvatore
Striano delivers a powerfully raw performance as Brutus.
Caesar Must Die finds the common ground between Shakespeare’s
play and cell life: corruption, collusion and betrayal. But above all, a
film of genuine humanity and compassion is exquisitely revealed. (AIFF)
