The Embalmer

There's a rather curiously old-fashioned feel to Matteo Garrone's psychological thriller about a closeted gay taxidermist named Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux), who--to make ends meet--accepts an offer from a Mafia acquaintance to sew drugs into human corpses for safe and easy transit. But the real story is about Peppino's taking on a handsome young man named Valerio to become his assistant and eventually his roommate, even going so far as to arrange double dates for the both of them with ladies of the evening, though Peppino really desires Valerio. Unfortunately, the film is very enigmatic about whether the younger man recognizes Peppino's intentions or succumbs to his advances, and eventually Valerio links up with a manipulative young woman, leading to a melodramatic romantic struggle between the trio. The Embalmer features some fine acting and atmospheric cinematography, but it seems rather dated in its attitude toward the gay lifestyle, with Peppino's apparent self-loathing and isolation more characteristic of homosexual life 40 years ago than in today's liberated age. An optional purchase. (F. Swietek)