Youth (2015 Paolo Sorrentino)

Most successful, interesting follow up to La Grande Bellezza, in English. Once again, chilly Swiss spa / hotel (Hotel Schatzalp, the setting for Thomas Mann's 'The Magic Mountain') makes me think of Marienbad. Retired composer Michael Caine (perfect as ever) and friend screenwriter Harvey Keitel are in residence, with the former's daughter Rachel Weisz. The fabulous Paul Dano is a resident actor. With Alex McQueen (Queen's emissary), Madelina Diana Ghenea (Miss Universe), Luna Zimic Mijovic (masseuse), Ed Stoppard, Paloma Faith (whose fake pop video is hilarious) and Jane Fonda.

It is as usual splendidly shot in deep richness by Luca Bigazzi and edited by Cristiano Travaglioli.

Films of this sort sometimes take themselves too seriously - Sorrentino uses humour well. Again, you sense a nod to Fellini, especially in the scene where all Keitel's actresses come to life on a mountain side. Sorrentino uses music really well, and the camera. Also he has an unusual way of not showing an establishing shot until the end of a scene. He's a very distinctive film maker.

The only thing I would have changed is not to show the levitator in long shot - I would have left that to the imagination.

Sorrentino / Bigazzi have since made TV series The Young Pope with Jude Law and Diane Keaton.