03/09/2014 - VENICE 2014: Duccio Chiarini discovers a very promising young actor in Matteo Creatini

A captivating first feature, Duccio Chiarini's Short Skin [+see also:
trailer
interview: Duccio Chiarini
film profile] (Short Skin) is being shown at Venice as part of the second edition of the Biennale College - Cinema, a sidebar that promotes feature debuts. The film’s protagonist, teenager Edoardo (played by the very promising young actor Matteo Creatini), has to overcome sexual insecurity in this bittersweet comedy about the quintessential Italian family. 

Edoardo lives in Pisa and has been suffering since childhood from phimosis. The wellbeing of his malformed penis is of great concern for the entire family, with both his parents (Michele Crestacci and Bianca Nappi) and even his little sister Olivia (Bianca Ceravolo) participating in inspections of Edoardo's member. Now 17, Edoardo starts to feel the pressure: his best friend Arturo (Nicola Nocchi) is obsessed with losing his virginity and endlessly fantasises about the details of the eagerly awaited moment. Edoardo wouldn't mind having sex, especially when his best friend Bianca (Francesca Agostini) comes to Pisa for the holidays, or when he meets Elisabetta (Miriana Raschilla), a girl who sings in a band. However, his condition makes things very complicated for him.

According to the director, Short Skin has many autobiographical elements, which may explain the great love with which Chiarini presents his (protagonist’s) misadventures, but also the amazing family chemistry. Although somewhat familiar, the feature will captivate audiences with its smart mix of humour and drama, maybe even teaching a lesson or two about courage, improvisation and overcoming one's insecurities.

As for Edoardo, not many young characters seen lately on the big screen are as endearing as this morose teenager who is as thin as a broomstick but has a huge heart beating in his chest. His actions and commentaries are governed by extraordinary common sense, even when all those around him do or say things that may hurt their loved ones. Creatini gives an impressive performance as the youngster who needs to overcome fear, pain and the unknown in order to reclaim his future.

Fiddling with an octopus, being poked at by doctors and his family, trying to have sex with a prostitute, and dealing with his sister's obsession for finding a mate for their dog and with his parents' marital problems, Edoardo faces many situations that challenge Creatini's talent, but the actor always finds the right way to convey his character's emotions. It is the greatest obstacle for the film to overcome, as Edoardo is on screen in practically every sequence, and Creatini is always convincing. He is also the perfect protagonist of one of the most beautiful sequences seen of late, an ode to youth and coming of age.

Although not without its flaws, and though it switches too abruptly from teenage comedy to family drama, Short Skin is an interesting and relevant cinematic experience. It is greatly helped along by the ensemble of actors, who give very natural performances. With the right promotion, it may have success both at festivals and in cinemas, with Chiarini's keen eye for funny situations, and for the ups and downs experienced by the quintessential Italian family.

Short Skin was produced by Italian production company La Règle du Jeu and is handled internationally by world sales company Films Boutique.