Giorni

This Italian work with English subtitles is a tour-de-force examining the problems that a HIV+ individual has in balancing his desire for freedom with his responsibilities and his long term relationship. Claudio (Thomas Trabacchi) has planned nearly his whole life, including a job transfer to Milan. His lover Dario (Davide Bechini) makes the sacrifice and moves a couple weeks in advance of Claudio, to set up the new house. Meanwhile, Claudio approaches his juncture with abandon. He chances to meet an old trick, Andrea (Riccardo Salerno), and the two embark on an impulsive affair.

What is interesting about this movie is the amount which is not said. We never know until near the end how much Dario knows. Claudio and Dario's separation is contrasted by Claudio's intense relationships with his inquisitive mother and sister. Add in a friend (an HIV+ aerobics instructor) who speaks his mind easily, and it seems everyone is upset with Claudio. Everyone but Andrea, that is. Andrea accepts and loves Claudio for who he is, not what he's achieved. Perhaps it's because Claudio has opened up very little to anyone *but* Andrea.

The plot, of which I don't want to reveal too much, speaks volumes about the difference of attitudes between Italy and the USA. If Claudio's characters were an American in an American movie, many would consider him a villain. In Italy, he could be a hero.

Plot/storyline have been much discussed in earlier reviews here. And, yes, this is a film about "living with Aids," how it can in some ways "robotize" one's behavior, cut one off and harden one in his/her interactions with others.....and Trabacchi (as Claudio) is excellent in showing us every facet of just such a "throwaway" man (for in the end he does just that). However, I am more interested in another of the players.........the one who shoves in our faces the purity and certainty of simple love: Salerno (as Andrea). He gives such a pure performance that we come face to face with a love so strong that it overpowers any thought of self-danger.......so strong that it overpowers wisdom and any sense of self-preservation.

Practically every other review and comment seems to focus on Trabacchi, yet never in memory have I encountered a male performer who can telegraph the emotion of love more intensely than Salerno; his eyes seem to be that proverbial door to the soul. Again, never have I seen pure love transmitted more powerfully than through this man's eyes and facial expressions (would that many of us ever have been able to have had a love such as his). What he is feeling is projected so strongly that your need is to reach through the screen, grab, and tightly hold him.

I guess I will never be able to understand Italian directors, producers and viewers......for Salerno's film work after this production seems to be nonexistent. How can that be? Yet Trabacchi's follow-on films are numerous, and while his performance is excellent, he displays nowhere near the emotional power radiated by Salerno (should someone admit to a "crush" in here, somewhere?).

So, if you want to see a film about a man none will consider smart, yet a man who would give you unflinching love that you would never doubt, then see "Days." And see the love that Claudio handled disastrously............how would you?

"Giorni" presents an intriguing premise in that it takes the side of a patient infected with the HIV virus that encounters love and a kind of happiness with another person that is afflicted with it. While some comments in this forum express opinions about how depressing the whole thing is, we hate to differ. There are indications that Claudio, who loved Andrea, finds himself at the end in a positive way and that he is changed for the best.

This Italian film, directed by Laura Muscardin, presents a sobering aspect of people living with the virus. In fact, we would even go to the extent to say it's a frank and sincere effort about people that live with HIV. These individuals suddenly see how slim their chances are to lead a somewhat normal life in a loving relationship.

Claudio's relationship with Dario is a thing of the past, as the movie starts. He is seen taking the cocktail of medicines that are keeping him alive. When the sincere Andrea appears in the picture, Claudio is taken aback by the way he feels about this stranger that genuinely cares for him. Claudio, in fact, while loving Andrea, is surprised by the way the other man has transformed him for the best.

The performance of Riccardo Salerno, who plays Andrea, is in sharp contrast with the intensity Thomas Trabacchi's Claudio. Both these actors make a pair of credible lovers who, although doomed from the start, still take a chance by loving one another. The Andrea of Mr. Salerno speaks volumes, as he convinces the viewer about his love for Claudio. Mr. Salerno's take on his character endears himself to us because one realizes he is the real thing. Mr. Trabacchi has more opportunities to shine, yet, it's the kind Andrea who stays in one's mind.

The film is a serious attempt by the director, Laura Muscardin, to inject intelligence into the relationship between Claudio and Andrea.

Beautifully shot and conceived Italian film about a man with AIDS having to take stock of the reality of what others see as life when he is faced with the reality of a totally different life; a life that he knows will lead sooner, rather than later, to death. The things that always kept his life "stable" fall by the wayside as his reality becomes filled with pills, transfusions, solicitous friends, a caretaker lover, a selfish sister and, finally, the first "free" love of his life.

If you are looking for an uplifting film, look elsewhere. GIORNI is unrelentingly bleak, especially as juxtaposed against the rich color and vibrancy of Rome. As well made and acted as it is, it is far more haunted than haunting. Though one is pulled into the plot and stays involved, the ending leaves you depressed and unfulfilled.

Worthwhile, but not a must!

I agree with who found this to be a true to life representation about living and loving with HIV/AIDS. I have seen no other film to date in which the day to day struggles of maintaining an HIV positive individual's health, adhering to a burdensome medical regiment and the various psychological battles involved in doing so is as well expressed. Claudio's hope for and despair of finding understanding and love, and his many unexpected losses and rewards are portrayed with the empathy of someone who has obviously seen the battle up close. It is a very interesting movie and it contains truths that anyone who has made this journey, either with loved ones or themselves, will surely recognize and appreciate.