By Dennis Tavernetti
“The Salt of Life” from the World Film Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Monday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: Gianni is a middle-aged retiree who has become invisible to all, regardless of age or relation. He contends with an aristocratic, spendthrift mother; a wife who is more a patronizing friend than romantic partner; a daughter with a slacker boyfriend; and a wild young neighbor who sees him merely as her dog walker. Watching his old friends snare beautiful younger women, he tries his polite, utterly gracious best to generate some kind of extracurricular love life — with both hilarious and poignant results.
Ratings & Reviews: Internet site IMDb: 5.9; Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 82/Audiences: 58. Good marks. Newspapers reviews: Time Out New York: “ … bittersweet look at the bewilderment over growing old”; Variety: “… refreshing…”; The New York Times: “… touching …”
Previewer Comments: This World film in Italian with English subtitles will resonate with all of retirement age, or even those reaching whatever age milestone that causes one too long for previous youthful memories. Although a comedy, this film is more, much more than a comical look at an aging, over-the-hill man’s attempt at regaining his youthful past in the present. The viewer cannot help but feel anguish for this elderly man who simply wants to be loved by someone.
Rated: Unrated, but likely can be considered to be PG.
Tickets for adults are $7, seniors $6, students $5. Call USCB Center for the Arts box office at 843-521-4145 or purchase day of performance. Box office opens one hour prior to show time.
Dennis Tavernetti is a resident of St. Helena Island and retired to the Lowcountry having a lifelong interest in the arts.
