The intent may have been good, telling the story of Carnera from an unbiased point of view, but the artistic result falls short.
There has been a good work of research (an initial documentaristic intent?) and some verified historical facts have been transposed to the screen. It was nice to watch Carnera's Italian residence (Villa Carnera in Sequals) used in some scenes.
But new narrative elements have been added, and the chronology of some event has been bended to favour dramatic effects, without achieving the hoped results (i.e.: the love story with Pina).
Acting is not consistent through the cast. I watched the movie both in Italian and English, and my impression is that Italian actors (more theatrical) and seasoned Americans are not blending smoothly. It was nice to see Nino Benvenuti on the screen, and I loved listening to his interview in the DVD bonus features. But did his cameo add something to the movie?
(It was not like having Cassius Clay for the opening scene of "Requiem for a Heavyweight")
Not consistent photography, and I found the (attempted) suicide scene uncanningly close to Full Metal Jacket's Private Pyle's one.
The use of waving Italian flags on the background seemed excessive to the point it make the scenes look video game-ish. When combined to the reccuring patriotic statements of the main character it made me feel uneasy... so I had to do some extra-research on the Director to try to understand his background. My suspicions were confirmed while reading comments of basic "anti-islamic" overtones in his previous work "The Stone Merchant".
Was the Director trying to make justice of the unfair "The Harder They Fall"? Or did he want to make the Italians proud for the achievement of the "walking mountain"? In any case he failed to give emotional deepness/motivations to his main character. It was easier to empathise with Toro Moreno or Mountain Rivera that with his Primo Carnera.
Not a great movie, and it will be easily forgotten, while the real Carnera will remain a legend larger than life!
There has been a good work of research (an initial documentaristic intent?) and some verified historical facts have been transposed to the screen. It was nice to watch Carnera's Italian residence (Villa Carnera in Sequals) used in some scenes.
But new narrative elements have been added, and the chronology of some event has been bended to favour dramatic effects, without achieving the hoped results (i.e.: the love story with Pina).
Acting is not consistent through the cast. I watched the movie both in Italian and English, and my impression is that Italian actors (more theatrical) and seasoned Americans are not blending smoothly. It was nice to see Nino Benvenuti on the screen, and I loved listening to his interview in the DVD bonus features. But did his cameo add something to the movie?
(It was not like having Cassius Clay for the opening scene of "Requiem for a Heavyweight")
Not consistent photography, and I found the (attempted) suicide scene uncanningly close to Full Metal Jacket's Private Pyle's one.
The use of waving Italian flags on the background seemed excessive to the point it make the scenes look video game-ish. When combined to the reccuring patriotic statements of the main character it made me feel uneasy... so I had to do some extra-research on the Director to try to understand his background. My suspicions were confirmed while reading comments of basic "anti-islamic" overtones in his previous work "The Stone Merchant".
Was the Director trying to make justice of the unfair "The Harder They Fall"? Or did he want to make the Italians proud for the achievement of the "walking mountain"? In any case he failed to give emotional deepness/motivations to his main character. It was easier to empathise with Toro Moreno or Mountain Rivera that with his Primo Carnera.
Not a great movie, and it will be easily forgotten, while the real Carnera will remain a legend larger than life!