""Garrone has created a thought-provoking piece and one that has far more it than meets the eye...”"

It’s been four years since we were treated to Matteo Garrone’s last feature Gomorrah, and now the contentious Italian filmmaker returns with yet another picture studying Neapolitan society – although unlike the aforementioned crime drama, Reality delves into a different side of contemporary society, taking somewhat of a barbed and surreal look at the life of a man desperate to become a star.

That man is Luciano (Aniello Arena) – a devoted husband to wife Maria (Loredana Simioli) and father of three. Somewhat of a local celebrity in his own right, the charismatic fishmonger dreams of becoming a reality TV star – boosted by constant compliments and encouragement from his family and friends. Deciding to finally try his luck, he auditions for the upcoming series of Big Brother.

Thanks to a reluctant endorsement from former contestant turned local celebrity Enzo (Raffaele Ferrante) to the shows producers, Luciano is convinced his place in the house is cemented, bragging to all of the local residents of his imminent success. However, as time progresses and Luciano anxiously awaits the phone-call confirming his place – he slowly starts losing his mind, as what can only be described as pathetic desperation kicks in.

Although Garrone implements a fairytale sounding soundtrack, in a film that on the outside appears almost enchanting and fantastical – underneath Reality is quite dark and gritty, and in a sense, somewhat reflective of reality TV itself, and certainly of Luciano’s own life. In that respect it’s similar to The Wrestler – which takes a glamorous industry and studies it astutely, finding grit beneath the stylishly painted nails.

There is something rather upsetting about Reality also, as Luciano is somewhat of a tragic figure, desperately clinging on to dreams that in theory, don’t actually exist. Much credit must go to Arena for a brilliantly emotive and earnest performance, even more of an achievement given it’s the actors first ever role.

Similarly to Gomorrah, Garrone has created a thought-provoking piece and one that has far more it than meets the eye, as Reality bears several religious connotations, metaphorical and symbolic in its approach, readily making comparisons between contemporary popular culture and the Catholic church. Catholicism is a very presentable, almost lavish religion – grandeur and conscious of its appearance and Garrone draws on such aspects to relate to reality TV shows such as Big Brother.

The religious undertones exists all the way through the picture, as it becomes clear that the Big Brother house is Luciano’s very own interpretation of heaven, as he works on a number of charitable deeds to help prove his worth as a potential contestant. Meanwhile, there are occasions where Enzo is portrayed as a representation of a certain Jesus Christ – treated as a messiah of sorts.

Despite such an intriguing juxtaposition between the Catholic church and reality television, emotionally Reality is lacking somewhat, as it struggles to deviate away from its very own surrealistic, grandiose approach, which prevents you from fully growing close to Luciano or the matter at hand. Intelligent it may be, but not memorable as such, as a film that is certain to stick with you shortly after viewing, but not one you’ll find yourself remembering down the line. Think more John Tickle, than Jade Goody.