Pierfrancesco Favino (Nostalgia, The Traitor) stars in writer-director Edoardo De Angelis’ (Indivisible, The Voice of Hope) Comandante. A dramatic account of events in the Atlantic sea during World War II. Titular Italian submarine Comandante Cappellini sinks the Belgian ship Kabalo, and Cappellini’s commander Salvatore Todaro disobeys standing orders and rescues the Kabalo’s crew.
Comandante however, is not just a film portraying heroism in defiance of fascism. It is equal parts character study of captain Todaro’s conflicting personal philosophy and social exploration of his crew within the confines of a submerged iron can.
Salvatore Todaro is an interesting guy. Severely injured in a light plane crash over water, the film opens with Todaro being fitted with a supporting brace. A corset designed to support his spine. Which does nothing to numb his physical pain. Turning to various substances, including heroin, the film shows Todaro’s pursuit of spiritual answers through yoga and soothsayer.
This side of Todaro is a stark contrast to his conduct in command of the submarine and rigid performance expectations. Stoic, a hard arse at sea in the eyes of his crew. But fair. Favino effortlessly becomes Todaro. With moments threatening to go full Gene Hackman underwater. Though never pulling the trigger. Instead, Favino delivers measured tone and response. At least in most circumstances, until circumstances become unreasonable.
De Angelis’ direction combined with Ferran Paredes Rubio’s cinematography whole heartedly sells the paranoid confines of a submarine and the freezing, wet conditions of weeks at sea. Made worse once dozens of shipwrecked Belgians cram aboard. Leading to some interesting roller coaster moments.
Comandante is screening now until 21st October as part of the Italian Film Festival, at Palace Raine Square. Bursting with measured tension throughout. The film rates a cool 7/10 and is well worth working through the English subtitles.
