Essay Questions

What is the difference between Andreotti and De Gesperi?

Andreotti rises at 4:30 a.m. in order to walk to the cathedral where he meets the priest in order to give his confession. But, before he does the priest tells him that it is said that people believe De Gasperi--who found the Christian Democracy Party--and Andreotti both do church in the same way. The priest reveals that De Gasperi comes to mass and talks to God while Andreotti speaks to the priest. Giulio's response is that, "Priests vote. God doesn't." Thus, Andreotti is stating that he is seeking to stay in power in the realm of humanity while De Gasperi seeks the guidance of God to strengthen him in his political journey.

Why is it ironic that Andreotti was given 6 months to live by an army doctor?

Giulio was told that he would only live another 6 months when he was examined by a military doctor. It is ironic because he lived much longer, but also because Andreotti went back to find the doctor in order to tell him that he far outlived the expectations the man gave him and when he did he discovered that the doctor himself had passed away and Giulio had outlived him.

How does Sorrentino's introduction of Andreotti's Christian Democracy faction paint the men?

Andreotti has been Prime Minister representing the Christian Democracy party for multiple terms and he keeps an inner circle of men including businessmen and a Cardinal. Sorrentino films the entrance of this inner circle as if we are watching a Resevoir Dogs. Each man is shown pulling up in his expensive car as their names and titles come onto the screen in red, and then we see a long shot of the men walking into Andreotti's residence as if they are dangerous and violent men rather than leaders of the country seeking to do good for the people.