12. Youth

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

Release date: December 26, 2015

“Two old blokes lounge around a decadent Swiss hotel, lament their prostates, reflect on their younger years and stare at some tits…” doesn’t sound like much of an elevator pitch. But when the two old blokes are Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel, the proposition suddenly becomes far more appealing.

There’s no narrative thrust to the ironically titled Youth. Paolo Sorrentino’s second English language film after This Must Be the Place, ambles along at an octogenarian’s pace as retired composer and conductor Fred Ballinger (Caine) and film director Mick Boyle (Keitel) vacation at a stunning hotel in the Swiss Alps. Ballinger is retired and vehemently refusing to step back on stage for a performance for the Queen of England. Boyle is determined to finish one final movie, a project that will be his “testament”. The pair stroll through the country side and recall memories, ruminating on the past and accepting their brief future.

There’s a sumptuous and cinematic quality to Youth, the filmic equivalent of caviar and French champagne. The hotel provides a constantly arresting back drop, as other characters are immersed in the idyllic locale: Rachel Weisz as Ballinger’s daughter and personal assistant, and Paul Dano as a weary young movie star (that’s possibly meant to be based on Shia LeBeouf). There’s even an appearance by an overweight Diego Maradona (not the real football star).

What makes Youth rise above its basic premise is the humour – Caine and Keitel are both very funny. And the Fellini-esque beauty of the whole affair gives it a sensuous sheen that proves both indulgent and hugely enjoyable.