Days (2002)

Synopsis: Italian cinema receives a long overdue jolt of reality with DAYS, an affecting drama that addresses the subjects of AIDS and homosexuality with a commendable frankness and sensitivity. The film follows Claudio (Thomas Trabacchi), a well-respected, composed banker, whose life appears to... Italian cinema receives a long overdue jolt of reality with DAYS, an affecting drama that addresses the subjects of AIDS and homosexuality with a commendable frankness and sensitivity. The film follows Claudio (Thomas Trabacchi), a well-respected, composed banker, whose life appears to be in complete order. But after a random encounter with the youthful Andrea (Riccardo Salerno), Claudio begins to question his longstanding relationship with Dario (Davide Bechini), as well as his professional aspirations. A chance reunion with Andrea brings Claudio's desires to the surface once again, and pretty soon he finds himself shirking Dario and work to spend every waking moment with Andrea. Undercutting this newfound confusion is the deeply unsettling reality that Claudio is HIV-positive, and must therefore watch every single step that he takes. Fed up with the exhausting routine of medication and exercise, Claudio finds an outlet in the carefree Andrea, hoping that his youthful air of invincibility will erase his problems forever. Laura Muscardin's directorial debut tackles its subject matter without resorting to melodrama or the use of stereotypes. This is due in large part to the performances of Trabacchi, Salerno, and Bechini, who infuse their characters with a humanity that any audience could understand. This film screened in June 2002 as part of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, a festival organized by The Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York City. [More]