Silvio Soldini (Giorni e nuvole, Italy 2007)

Cinema doesn’t get much more timely than Silvio Soldini’s latest drama from the noted Italian director of The Acrobats (SFIFF 1998) and Pane e Tulipani (SFIFF 2001). In the current era of looming economic catastrophes, this story of a stable middle-aged couple facing a sudden financial crisis is especially pertinent and moving. Elsa (Margherita Buy) and Michele (Antonio Albanese) have reached a place of financial security. Their 20-year-old daughter no longer lives at home, allowing Elsa to leave her job and pursue her dream of studying art history. As she completes her studies, working on a challenging restoration project, her husband reveals that he has been fired from the company he helped found. Their reactions to this crisis—Elsa rolls up her sleeves and reenters the work force while Michele sinks into depression—and how it impacts their long and loving relationship with each other and their daughter make up the powerful emotional impact of the film. Nominated for 15 David di Donatello Awards (Italy’s Oscars), Days and Clouds took home two including a Best Actress prize. Days and Clouds offers a dignified, resonant and beautifully performed portrait of the afflictions of life in middle age.

Written by Doriana Leondeff, Francesco Piccolo, Federica Pontremoli, Silvio Soldini. Photographed by Ramiro Civita. With Margherita Buy, Antonio Albanese, Giuseppe Battiston. (115 min, Film Movement)

August 29–September 11, 2008, Sundance Kabuki Cinemas