Massimo Pirri Movies
- 1980
The wages of heroin on body, mind, and spirit are compassionately portrayed in this drama by Massimo Pirri. Without hammering out a message or moralizing, Pirri shows his protagonists facing the daily challenge of obtaining a fix at any cost. Marco (Helmut Berger) used to be a school teacher, but now he and his lover Pina (Corinne Clery) live in a junkyard in an abandoned bus. Gangsters and other violent lowlifes show up now and again to make their life even more of a living hell. On a typical day, the pair go to Marco's pusher's house, and while he shoots up in one room Pina may be providing sexual favors in another for cash or drugs. There is nothing too base or dangerous to do if it will provide another fix. The duo will hook children on drugs, sell out friends, and even steal from each other as death patiently waits in the wings for its cue. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helmut Berger, Corinne Clery, (more)
- 198z
The Italian Could It Happen Here? answers its own question early on. A "typical" city falls under the sphere of influence of despots. Imposing martial law, the new civic leaders unleash a reign of terror on the hapless citizens. It's worth noting that this sort of film always looks a bit arch and phony in American hands, but uncomfortably credible when the filmmakers are Europeans, thus well versed in the perils and pitfalls of totalitarianism. Most available prints of Could It Happen Here? are dubbed in English. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
