Bizzarro e Fantastico

Watching Kris Krainock’s Bizzarro e Fantastico reminds me that there’s more than one way to tell a story. The drama is Karinock’s homage to the great Italian filmmakers Federico Fellini and Pier Paolo Pasolini. If the somewhat lengthy overture at the beginning of the short is any indication, it’s also an homage to the great Italian films of the 1970s.

“…discovers a mysterious Italian man suffering from intense stomach pains…”

Bizzarro e Fantastico is the story of a Roman Everyman (Cosimo Tomei) who discovers a mysterious Italian man (Roberto Guadagnoli) suffering from intense stomach pains in his living room. As Everyman nurses the stranger back to health (a series of events not worth spoiling), the man’s true motives are revealed. This encounter quickly becomes an existential discussion of life and death along with a literal distaste for the French.

For me, this was one of those short films that I could just sit back and enjoy. I’m not much of a Fellini snob, but bordering on satire, Krainock’s admiration for the filmmaker comes across loud and clear. From the opening, the photobook visuals, it feeling like an old film, and the philosophical and poignant ending all pay homage to the beloved filmmaker. The bizarre storytelling of Bizzarro e Fantastico works perfectly with its 30-minute runtime.

For more information, visit Bizzarro e Fantastico‘s official website.