SHOOTING
THE MAFIA (2019)
Featuring
Letizia Battaglia. Directed by Kim Longinotto. (94 min)
ON
BLU-RAY FROM COHEN MEDIA GROUP
Review
by Fluffy the Fearlessđ˝
Letizia
Battaglia is a free-spirited (to say the least) photographer who
began her chosen profession relatively late in life. She approached
her craft as an artist, finding a niche capturing the violent
activities of the Italian mob. Considering her subject of choice,
it’s kind-of amazing she wasn’t whacked.
Shooting
the Mafia is both a biography of Letizia and chronicle of the
Sicilian mob’s far-reaching power as documented by her camera and
video footage over the course of a few decades. Some of the
imagery is disturbing enough to be right at home in a Faces of
Death video, but undeniably fascinating. Through her lens, we
also learn of a few elusive mafia kingpins’ nefarious influence on
society and the government, as well as their eventual downfalls.
 |
| 'Copping' a feel...get it? |
Less
interesting are the segments focusing on Letizia’s personal life,
often dramatized by scenes from old Italian movies. Her escape from
an abusive marriage and struggle to earn respect in a male-dominated
field is somewhat inspiring. However, I didn’t really care what
assorted ex-lovers had to say – even if most of them were
colleagues - and her other pursuits aren’t nearly as compelling as
the violent images she’s famous for. While Letizia’s frankness is
admirable, she comes across as somewhat self-absorbed (even abandoning
her own kids), which might make it difficult for some viewers to
completely empathize with her.
When
focusing on Letizia’s specialty, however, Shooting the Mafia
has considerable visceral power, telling a story that certainly
strips away the mystique and romanticism associated with mob life.
But be forewarned, most of the photos and video footage – some involving innocent children – is tough to watch.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
INTERVIEW
WITH DIRECTOR KIM LONGINOTTO
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.
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