Italian actor and director Gianni Di Gregorio tells stories that lay bare the strength and vitality of the elderly. Making its Houston debut is Salt of Life, his followup to the award-winning Mid-August Lunch. The film follows an aging but charming bachelor, played by Di Gregorio himself, as he seeks a little polite excitement in the form of an extramarital relation. Returning as his possessive and dependent 90-year-old mother is Valeria de Franciscis, who continues to illuminate the screen as she manipulates, and feels great affection for, her only son. The movie is a soft, comfortable look at the embers of life stirring to occasional flame. It’s a moving comedy of manners that shows that while we may grow old, we don’t necessarily grow up. Various times. The film opens today. Sundance Cinemas, 510 Texas. For tickets, call 713- 223-3456 or visit www.sundancecinemas.com. $7.50.
April 13-19, 2012
This article appears in Apr 12-18, 2012.