The Caiman

Running Time: 112 Minutes
Rating: M
Release Date: November 23

Palme d'Or winning actor-director Nanni Moretti's long-awaited follow-up to THE SON'S ROOM combines entertaining comedy with an electrifying critique of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi (variously played by Elio De Capitani, Michele Placido and Moretti himself). By turns funny, sublime and rousing, THE CAIMAN is the first Italian feature to attack the former prime minister directly.

Berlusconi's two terms in office were marred by accusations that he was linked with the mafia, that he exported money illegally, bribed judges and politicians, evaded taxes, and sank the level of Italian television to a new low. Moretti puts these issues on the table, forcefully and originally, and has them acted out in a film-within-the-film that itself deserves a place in the annals of Italian cinema. However, you don't need to be well versed on Italian politics in order to enjoy Moretti's quick wit.

Film buffs will delight in the procession of Italian directors who flash by in cameos (such as Paolo Sorrentino and Paola Virzi), as well as salutes to film veterans Federico Fellini and Hayao Miyazaki, while newsreel footage of Berlusconi appearing at his most tasteless before the European Parliament is particularly droll.

Winner of the City of Rome Award and Nominated for the prestigious Golden Palm at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival; Winner of six David Di Donatello (Italian Academy) Awards 2006 including Best Actor, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Music and Best Film.