When Beatrice, one of the lead characters of 'La Pazza Gioia', scrolls through the contacts in her iPhone, we see that she has included George Clooney. What's more, she has written his name in capitals. It's a small detail, but it's typical for Beatrice's psychological disorder: she believes wholeheartedly in her own fantasies and lies. What's more, she's so convincing, and her character is so overwhelming, that others start believing them, too.
At first sight, the voluptuous and aristocratic Beatrice is the last person who would befriend Donatella. She is a skinny and fragile girl, obsessed with her son, who is taken away from her after she involved him in her own suicide attempt.
But Beatrice and Donatella become close friends, and together they escape from the psychological institution where they are treated. The film shows how they get involved in a series of crazy adventures, and meet up with different people who represent parts of their past. But although their escapade seems to be hilarious and carefree, the desperate aspect of their behaviour slowly becomes clear. When Beatrice promises out of the blue to take Donatella to her son, who is adopted by foster parents, the story slowly transforms into a touching drama. The last scenes are very moving.
The film shows wonderfully how Beatrice and Donatella are not merely 'nutcases', as most people see them, but persons who live in their own reality. The perspective is not only how the world sees them, but also how they see the world. Apart from the superb acting performances from both lead actresses, the movie is also worth viewing for the subtle mix between joyfulness and sadness. The mood changes constantly from extreme exhilaration to deep desperation.
At first sight, the voluptuous and aristocratic Beatrice is the last person who would befriend Donatella. She is a skinny and fragile girl, obsessed with her son, who is taken away from her after she involved him in her own suicide attempt.
But Beatrice and Donatella become close friends, and together they escape from the psychological institution where they are treated. The film shows how they get involved in a series of crazy adventures, and meet up with different people who represent parts of their past. But although their escapade seems to be hilarious and carefree, the desperate aspect of their behaviour slowly becomes clear. When Beatrice promises out of the blue to take Donatella to her son, who is adopted by foster parents, the story slowly transforms into a touching drama. The last scenes are very moving.
The film shows wonderfully how Beatrice and Donatella are not merely 'nutcases', as most people see them, but persons who live in their own reality. The perspective is not only how the world sees them, but also how they see the world. Apart from the superb acting performances from both lead actresses, the movie is also worth viewing for the subtle mix between joyfulness and sadness. The mood changes constantly from extreme exhilaration to deep desperation.