
"Pasolini" offers an intimate and poignant glimpse into the final hours of the renowned Italian filmmaker and intellectual, Pier Paolo Pasolini, masterfully portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Set against a backdrop of personal reflection and candid moments, the show captures Pasolini engaging deeply with his closest family and friends. These interactions reveal the multifaceted nature of his character—both tender and fiercely honest—as he shares a meal with his longtime companion Ninetto Davoli and confronts the realities of his life through a raw, unfiltered interview.
The narrative artfully weaves together episodes from Pasolini's prolific career, presenting scenes from his celebrated films alongside elements of his ongoing literary project, the unfinished novel "Petrolio." Additionally, viewers are transported into the visionary realm of his planned but unrealized film "Porno-Teo-Kolossal," blurring the lines between his artistic aspirations and lived experiences. This fusion creates a layered portrait of a man whose life and work were inextricably linked, offering profound insights into his creative genius and the societal provocations embedded within his art.
As Pasolini cruises through the night in his distinctive gun-metal gray Alfa Romeo, seeking connection amid the palpable tension of his era, the show captures the essence of a complex figure confronting mortality and legacy. Supported by compelling performances, including Ninetto Davoli's portrayal of Epifanio, "Pasolini" stands as a cinematic tribute that resonates with themes of vulnerability, defiance, and the enduring impact of artistic expression.