Matteo Garrone’s film “Gomorrah” is a stark portrayal of Naples’ mafia life, going into the dark criminal underworld without glorifying it. Based on Roberto Saviano’s non-fiction book, the film tells the story of the Camorra, a Naples-based crime syndicate, through interconnected storylines. The narrative unfolds like ripples in a pond, as one event sets off a chain reaction of chaos and violence that affects everyone it touches.
The film opens with Don Ciro, a mafia middleman who distributes illicit cash, whose life is turned upside down after an assassination. His arc ends in a violent and brutal conclusion, forced to sell out his compatriots to save his life. Throughout the film, each storyline is laced with the same theme – the corruption and violence that permeates the mafia world. The film’s gritty and realistic portrayal is owed in part to Matteo Garrone’s ability to coax stellar performances out of non-professional actors who had real-life ties to the Camorra clans.
A Still From Gomorrah (Photo: Gomorrah)
Some of these actors have since been arrested on various occasions, including extortion and drug trafficking charges. The film’s director and many of the actors lived in the rough area of Naples, which adds to the film’s authenticity and realism. Allegations were made that the director collaborated with and paid protection money to real-life mafiosos to get the film made, although these allegations have never been proven in a court of law. It is widely believed that the director had a close relationship with the mafia to secure the film’s production.
“Gomorrah” is a harrowing story that is both charming and brutal, exposing the seedy underbelly of Naples with surprising elegance and beauty. The film is imbued with a gritty brilliance that comes with intimate knowledge of the subject at hand. Through its captivation of the brutal realities of Naples’ mafia life, “Gomorrah” becomes a testament to Saviano’s book, never glorifying mob life but instead showing the dangerous realities of a much-romanticized life. The film is a must-see, providing a grim look into the inner workings of the mafia world.
