In real life, filmmaker Simon Reggiani's father, Serge Reggiani, was a desperately ill elderly alcoholic and also a renowned singer and cinematic leading man (mostly in France). In an effort to sustain his father's interest in life, he cast him in the central role in a biographical pseudo-documentary. In the story, Simon convinces his father to join him on a journey to Italy, where he can meet the man who can ease the guilt he has carried for almost seventy years; he believes he was responsible for the death of his infant brother. Reviewers indicate that Serge's performance was extraordinarily magnetic and skillful. Furthermore, the caring son reported that the film served its purpose of keeping his father lively and interested in life; indeed, he has gone on to take major roles in several more films.
by Clarke Fountain
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