Film Lens
Girlfriend in a Coma is a documentary that examines the decline of Italy and the West, directed by Annalisa Piras and narrated by Bill Emmott. The film combines animation, interviews, and factual analysis to present the dire state of Italian politics and society over the past two decades. It critiques the influence of Silvio Berlusconi's government and the moral decay that has led to the dominance of 'Mala Italia' over 'Buona Italia'. Emmott identifies 'ignavia', a sin of moral cowardice noted by Dante Alighieri, as a key reason for Italy's stagnation.
The film uses excerpts from Dante's Divine Comedy, read by Benedict Cumberbatch, to connect contemporary issues with historical context. Animation by Phoebe Boswell serves as a thematic thread throughout the film, contrasting light visuals with dark themes. The documentary features interviews with notable figures such as Mario Monti and Umberto Eco, providing a comprehensive view of Italy's current challenges and the implications for the West.
Why Watch
- •Meet Bill Emmott, former editor of The Economist.
- •See critiques of Silvio Berlusconi's government.
- •Find out about Italy's moral decline through Dante's work.
Did You Know
•The film's title references a song by The Smiths from 1987.
•Bill Emmott's book, Good Italy, Bad Italy, inspired the documentary.
•Over 30,000 people signed a petition against the film's censorship in Italy.
•The documentary premiered in Italy on 13 February 2013 at Teatro Eliseo.
Perfect For
Italian politicsEconomic declineCensorship issues