The Call (2009)

Memorable, crazy movie

Excellent adaptation.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

This portrait of a woman of a certain age, a flight attendant married to a doctor, showed up the other night on cable. Directed by Stefano Pasetto, and set in Argentina, is a story that does not add up to the sum of its parts, in our humble opinion. The first thing that came to our mind was to ask ourselves what are these two women in Buenos Aires, especially the younger woman, Lea, who is ridiculously placed in a chicken processing plant, probably making minimum wage. What could have possessed Lea to go emigrate, even in these hard times in Italy, to a place where she is relegated to eke out a life in circumstances she probably would turn her nose at, even in a depressed economy.Then, there is Lucia. The forty-something woman married to what appears to be a successful and prominent physician. As if that was not enough, this poor woman is suffering from the onset of a life threatening disease. Out of nowhere, Lea shows at Lucia's door to take piano lessons, something that Lucia used to do in the past. The meeting of these women will turn into an passionate lesbian relationship, neither one was prepared for. The film suddenly changes as Lea gets the small vessel owned by an absent father who is never seen, or heard, and the women depart for the Patagonia."Il Richiamo" directed by Stefano Pasetto, is not a feminist film, far from it. If one could believe in the basic premise, maybe it could even have been enjoyed. The two actresses in the central roles are appealing. Sandra Ceccarelli is a beautiful woman who radiates warmth. Francesca Inaudi, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Penelope Cruz, has all the makings of a bright future in the Italian cinema. Perhaps Mr.Pasetto's next effort will show his talent as a director who can clearly direct.

I saw this movie in Toronto and the full house gave it a huge applause - people around me wept with the emotion of the movie - although it is not a sad movie at all - it is at times hilarious and very delightful. We have seen attempts at scripts of women who fall in love with each other - but they are so stilted and awkward - this movie treats the theme with a delicacy and grace that rises above anything petty or mundane - and this from a 'male' director from a 'macho' culture? I note this because it just proves we cannot accept stereotypes - we must not. The promo stated that the men are not left behind in this story and it is true - the men are strong characters with their own self-worth and we admire everyone in the end. As well, the scenery is fantastic - a Patagonia I would love to visit. A must see.