This is a film that aims to show us how the classes in Naples; located at the foot of the currently dormant volcano, Vesuvius; exist in their seperate, yet integrated worlds, and how that compares and contrasts with the style of a painting completed in the 15th Century. “Even when there is light, the background is dark, impenetrable.” Perhaps this is to say that even when there is happiness and wealth, it’s set against a backdrop of pain and sorrow, but I’m not entirely certain.

“In 1606, the founders of the aristocratic Neapolitan charity Pio Monte della Misericordia commissioned a painting by Caravaggio. Charity, reconciliation, life and death are the themes portrayed in his painting The Seven Acts of Mercy.”

The Seven Acts of Mercy; The Caravaggio painting that’s introduced a couple of times over the course of the film shows the sorrow and suffering of the underprivileged, and shows saintly types relieving suffering through acts of charity. If this film did one thing, it was to allow me to better relate to the subjects within this Caravaggio painting; if only there was someone to relieve my sufffering in having watched this film; an accident with the film reels, a snapped film – anything.

The film maker would appear to be stuck somewhere between making a documentary about class differences and writing an epic poem. This is not a film to see if you’ve just woken up, are at all tired, or if you snore. With a bit of sly cutting, this could be an excellent 20 minute piece of social commentary, but as it is in its current 94 minute long incarnation, it’s plodding and difficult.

This could very well be an interesting film to people with a connection to Naples or Italy, as there is much excellent footage of the city and its people, but without a connection, I’m feeling lost.

Overheard in the lobby after the screening; “I was cheering for the volcano.” I couldn’t help but agree.