Gianni di Gregorio’s Good for Nothing is a quirky tale about friendship and standing up for yourself when it is the only thing left to do.
Good for Nothing
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
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by Laura BennettGood for Nothing is the latest offering from writer and director Gianni di Gregorio (director of Mid-August Lunch, and screenwriter for Gomorrah). In the lead role, Gianni is biding his time in the face of life’s well-observed minor irritations (recognisable to anyone who has visited the Eternal City). He has just six months to wait until retirement, but disaster strikes: due to changes in employment law, not only will he have to work another five years, but he is to be transferred from his familiar and well-worn office in a historic centre palazzo to a cutting-edge glass block just outside Rome’s ring road, a daunting gateway to modernity. It comes as a blow, especially when his grown-up kids and ex-wife are less than sympathetic. After struggling to adjust, Gianni begins to realise that life is what you make it, turning the tables on domineering bosses and busybody neighbours. Delighted with his new situation, he turns teacher, trying to help his put-upon colleague Marco (Marco Marzocca) copy his approach. Although Marco is anything but a quick-learner, ultimately the pair both achieve their unlikely goals, proving that you can teach old dogs new tricks.
Good for Nothing is showing on 8th March 2015 at Cinema Made In Italy at the Ciné Lumière
