Luca Marinelli gives his all in this performance as the titular character, this I believe. I've always loved Italian cinema, and had such high hopes for this film. Alas, I was deeply disappointed. No fault of Marinelli's, I struggled to find the lead protagonist, Martin, likable or relatable. Had this been strictly a love story, I think it would have made a far more appealing and resonating film. Sadly, though, the movie is bogged down by sociopolitically-fueled angry ranting that ultimately weaken the love story and every other appealing aspect of the film. While the world is still in the midst of a relentless, ravishing pandemic, this is not the time for a dark, depressing, tragic, bleak, self-pitying narrative. Beloved favorites like Cinema Paradiso, this is not...doesn't come anywhere close. Unfortunately, I was just left to sigh and to wish that I had my $12 back.
Review of Martin Eden
Martin Eden
(2019)
An excellent performance by the lead, but that's where the accolades end
19 January 2021