Portobello Review: Examining Marco Bellocchio’s Thoughtful Take on a Notorious Italian Miscarriage of Justice
In a notable week marked by the Berlin Film Festival and the BAFTAs, Marco Bellocchio’s six-part miniseries Portobello quietly premiered on streaming platforms last weekend. Despite the fierce competition for media attention, this compelling crime drama remains available globally on HBO Max. The series unfolds deliberately, weaving in localized cultural references, culminating in a breathtaking final episode that ties together a complex narrative that, upon closer examination, is ultimately quite straightforward.
The backdrop of Portobello draws from the real-life case of TV presenter Enzo Tortora, whose story is so surreal it embodies the tumultuous era of 1980s Italy. Much like the poliziotteschi films of Fernando Di Leo, it explores a society where police incompetence flourishes alongside a pervasive criminal underworld. Tortora, portrayed by Fabrizio Gifuni, finds his life turned upside down when he is accused of distributing cocaine to his high-profile friends, resulting in his abrupt arrest.
Bellocchio’s show had its initial two episodes screened at the Venice Film Festival last year, with the second serving as a more accurate representation of the series as a whole. The first episode chronicles Tortora’s ascent as the charismatic host of the popular variety program Portobello, named after London’s famous market. The show revolutionized television in Italy, bringing a zoo-TV concept where viewers showcased various skills, items, and even relationships, drawing millions of viewers eager to witness whether the show’s parrot, also named Portobello, could speak.
In stark contrast, Giovanni Pandico, played by Lino Musella, resides in a bleak prison cell. A highly intelligent inmate, Pandico becomes fixated on Tortora, claiming they communicate telepathically. He orchestrates a scheme involving the sale of lace doilies on Portobello, leading to conflict and fear when Tortora learns that Pandico is connected to the New Organized Camorra.
The intricacies of Tortora’s life during this tumultuous period are vital as the narrative progresses. Although he is navigating a complicated personal landscape, characterized by family ties and hidden affairs, he is indisputably innocent of the charges against him. Yet, as more wild accusations emerge, he finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit that seems to escalate beyond imagination.
The series delves into the depths of the judicial farce enveloping Tortora, as he briefly even sits in the European Parliament, capturing the intertwining realms of crime, show business, and politics—a portrayal underscored by Bellocchio’s ironic depictions of religious settings throughout the narrative. Gifuni’s striking resemblance to American actor Frank Langella enhances his portrayal, complemented by Musella’s captivating and sinister character.
Despite its lengthy runtime, Portobello maintains a steady pace, with every detail intricately woven into the plot—ranging from performances featuring Pulcinella clowns to a hypnotist’s act that resurfaces during Tortora’s trial. Even the show’s name symbolizes the transactional nature of Italy’s legal system at the time, reflecting a society that borders on theatrical absurdity.
Ultimately, Bellocchio’s masterpiece delivers a powerful conclusion that demystifies the chaos. It illustrates how false narratives can gain traction when aligned with the wishes of those in power. Set in a time devoid of smartphones, Tortora’s plight foreshadows contemporary concerns around misinformation and digital disinformation, highlighting the potential for similar injustices in our current landscape.
Title: Portobello
Director: Marco Bellocchio
Screenwriters: Marco Bellocchio, Stefano Bises, Giordana Mari, Peppe Fiori; based on Lettere a Francesca by Enzo Tortora
Cast: Fabrizio Gifuni, Lino Musella, Barbora Bobulova, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Federica Fracassi, Carlotta Gamba, Giada Fortini, Irene Maiorino, Giovanni Buselli
Distributor: HBO Max
Running Time: Approximately 6 hours
