Thriller

"Michele" (Danilo Esposito) is obsessed with Michael Jackson and is keenly practicing for his appearance on a forthcoming television talent show where he could win, and possibly change the lives of his family. That could prove timely as life is changing in this Apulian city and the factory in which his dad and elder brother work is slated for closure. With the courts having sequestrated some union assets, their protests outside look increasingly futile. Then "Michele", in full red and black leather, gets on his bike and determines to make his own, unique, intervention. With the assembled media covering the picket, perhaps his moonwalking can make a more potent difference? Esposito does quite a mean Jackson impersonation and at the same time this short film shines a light on the decline of industrial southern Italy and of the stresses and strains it puts on families. There is also a certain pride displayed by his father (Antonio Gerardi) that is, in itself, quite a brave thing to admit amidst the angry and occasionally quite judgemental protesters. This is a film that contrasts hope and hoplessness quite effectively and the synchronised efforts of the closing titles are worth a watch, too.