The Monster of Florence

Author(s): Michael (OK)
The Monster of Florence

Directed by Jill Hillcoat
Adapted by Nick Cave
Original Score by Nick Cave
Art Direction by James D. Bissell and Jan Pascale
Costume Design by Jacqueline Durran

Principal Cast:

Adrien Brody-Mario Spezi
Richard Roxburgh- Douglas Preston
Christian Clemenson- The Monster
Melora Walters- Barbara Locci
Sacha Baron Cohen- Stefano Mele
Nicky Katt-Carmelo Cutrona
Jonah Bobo- Joshua Locci

Tagline: “Park with fear…”

Plot/Synopsis: 11:34 PM, August 21, 1968- A child on a farmer’s front porch in tears. As the farmer opens the door, all the child mutters is, “My mother and my uncle are dead.”

June 7, 1981- Mario Spezi is a rising journalist in Florence, Italy and happened to be covering the crime desk that day when a call came through. A couple had been killed on a hill in the Tuscan countryside in their parked car. When he arrived at the scene, Mario was surprised to find the woman completely naked and her vagina missing, along with a bullet in both of the victims’ temples. Upon further research, this killing had a striking similarity to a case back in the summer of 1968.

10:56 PM, August 21, 1968-
Things to Do:
1. Get Rubber Gloves
2. Load the Gun
3. Find a Car
4. Kill the Man
5. Kill the Woman
6. Screw Her
7. Remove It

July 22, 1981- Another homicide, yet again in a parked car, and with the same bullets used as in the last two killings, .22 calibers. After writing another article the now successful Mario met American writer, Douglas Preston, who soon became his partner in research involving The Monster of Florence (a name Mario had given the serial killer). They became very close friends as they looked for the Monster.

10:42, August 21, 1968- Barbara may have been having affair, but her husband Stefano didn’t need to know about it. For all he knew she was just going to the movies with her estranged brother Carmelo and their son Joshua. Joshua was under the same impression, but when he fell asleep in the car, the two lovers decided to have a quickie on a hill just off the road.

September 6, 1981- A fourth killing occurs and the two comrades finally figure out the pattern to the Monsters’ massacres. Pinpointing the next one in 45 days from now, October 20, in the meantime though, the pair interviews the widower of the first female victim, Stefano Mele. Throughout their investigation, everything has pointed to him as the killer…but their consultation with him goes smoothly, leaving the pair only one choice, to camp out and wait for the killer on October 20th.

11:16 PM, August 21, 1968- He was done. He’d done all he wanted with the corpse, but what to do with the child was the main question. Thankfully, the boy was still asleep, but what was he going to do if he woke up. Driving along, he discovered a nearby farm, the porch was well lit, and if looked as if there was someone awake at the house. He just had to be discreet, as to not get caught.

October 20, 1981- It was dark, which was obvious. The partners in crime could hardly see each other as they waiting in the car, pretending to be involved in some act that would attract the Monster to their car. It seemed like hours, where was he, he should have been their by now. They started hearing noises, but nothing was seen in all the darkness…

What the Press Would Say: Based partially on the book of the same name, The Monster of Florence is the enthralling tale of; yep you guessed it The Monster of Florence, Italy that is, a well sought after rapist/murderer. Directed by Jill Hillcoat, this thriller is Oscar bound for sure. Mr. Hillcoat has such an eye for direction that is displayed on numerous occasions throughout the film, filmed on location in Italy, the film is simply beautiful to look at. Adrien Brody is exquisite in his best performance since The Pianist. Brody brings so much to the role that you can’t help but enjoy his time on the screen. Richard Roxburgh is also especially good in the film and gives a strong supporting performance. Not outdone by his costars he holds his own on the screen, which is highly respectable in this all star ensemble. Sacha Baron Cohen is also splendid in his role, taking a turn for the dramatic this time; Borat proves he has acting skills. Melora Walters is deceivingly three-dimensional in her role as mother/wife/adulterer and gives the performance of her career. Not once this year have a seen such a female performance on the screen, the tears seem real, though it is apparent they are not, and the performance is something that seems to be from the heavens.
The absolute standout performer however is Christian Clemenson, who is brilliant as the creepy Monster. His performance is truly spellbinding in a character that rivals Hannibal Lector as far as villains are concerned. He is absolutely dazzling on screen, and at times you almost root for him over Brody. In any case, if he doesn’t win an Oscar, the system is rigged, excellenence is hard to come by these days but Mr. Clemenson’s performance is as close to perfection as one can get. With a spectacular story, mesmerizing performances, and astounding scenery, The Monster of Florence is a surprising must-see and the Best film of the year!

FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director- Jill Hillcoat
Best Actor- Adrien Brody
Best Supporting Actor- Sacha Baron Cohen
Best Supporting Actor- Christian Clemenson
Best Supporting Actor- Richard Roxburgh
Best Supporting Actress- Melora Walters
Best Adapted Screenplay