If I Close My Eyes I'm Not Here

The Italian drama film, If I Close My Eyes I'm Not Here, blends the tenderness of youth, the complexity of reality, and the fantastical escape of imagination. The film, directed by Vittorio Moroni, stars Elena Arvigo, Enrico Bergamasco and Giorgio Colangeli in pivotal roles. Released in 2013, the film invites the audience into a beautifully nuanced narrative that explores themes of identity, solitude, and dreams.

The film follows the story of Paolo, a quiet and introverted teenager. Paolo, portrayed with poignancy by newcomer Enrico Bergamasco, navigates his way through the mundanity and uniformity of everyday life. His existence is illustrated in the realistic environment of suburban Roma, where grey buildings loom large, and life seems routinised and nondescript. However, it is not just the exterior world that is mirrored in grayscale but Paolo's internal world as well, which is characterized by loneliness, uncertainty, and occasional bouts of angst typical of coming-of-age narratives.

Elena Arvigo delivers a captivating performance as Sonia, a complex character who becomes a fixture in Paolo's life. A strange bond forms between the two, wherein both provide each other a reprieve from their individual trials. Their relationship weaves in elements of friendship, companionship, and hints of innocent attraction. Giorgio Colangeli, playing the role of Paolo's father, is a poignant portrayal of parenthood, conflicted between concern for his son and a visible inability to breach the wall of teen solitude.

For Paolo, reality and day-to-day life feel stifling, leading him to find solace in the realm of imagination. He propels himself into a colorful parallel world where he is 'Kranz,' a superhero-like figure who defends the oppressed. These dream-like sequences, interspersed throughout the film, add a layer of magical realism and surrealism to the narrative. These sequences are critiqued through an ingenious directorial touch, with the vividness of his imagination contrasting sharply against the grayscale reality, further highlighting Paolo's inner struggles.

One of the film's unique elements is the absence of clear binaries - there is no definitive good or evil, no absolute fact or fiction, no distinct fantasy or reality. Even in Paolo's fantasy world, there are cracks of vulnerability, showing that the issues of reality seep in even during the escape. This blurred line between fantasy and reality symbolizes Paolo's struggle to come to terms with his identity and his place in the world.

Moreover, the film highlights societal themes like isolation and depression among the youth, the effects of economic depression on families, and the importance of outlets like art and imagination as coping mechanisms. Moroni's sensitive handling of these themes throughout the film enables viewers to empathize and connect with Paolo and his journey.

Visually, If I Close My Eyes I'm Not Here is stunning. The stark contrast between the monotonous reality and the fantastical dreamscape adds visual depth to the narrative. The excellent cinematography, combined with the subtle yet impactful performances of the cast members, creates an engaging cinematic experience.

The film is successful in building an atmospheric allure around Paolo's life, both in reality and his imaginary world. The quietness of the narrative might seem slow to some, but it mirrors the unhurried and reflective journey that Paolo undertakes into his mind, endeavoring to make sense of the world around and within.

In conclusion, If I Close My Eyes I'm Not Here is an intriguing exploration of adolescence, identity, and the power of imagination. Through stunning visual narratives and compelling performances by the cast, the film provides an introspective view into the human condition and the complexities of life. This movie stands as a testament to the transformative power of cinema, capable of morphing reality into art and providing spectators a journey that transcends the constraints of their seats. It is a film that leaves audiences pondering long after the credits roll, making it a cinematic experience worth investing in.