May. 20, 2015|Italy | France | United Kingdom | Switzerland|118 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: “Youth” is a 2015 film that explores the lives of septuagenarian best friends, Fred Ballinger and Mick Boyle, during their stay at a luxurious spa resort in the Swiss Alps. Fred, a retired classical composer, is approached by an emissary of Queen Elizabeth II, who offers him a knighthood and requests he perform his famous piece, “Simple Song #3,” for Prince Philip’s birthday. Fred declines, insisting he no longer performs, though he continues to compose privately. Meanwhile, Mick, a film director, is working on what he considers his magnum opus, a screenplay he refers to as his “testament.” The resort is filled with eccentric characters, including a young masseuse, an overweight Diego Maradona, and Miss Universe.
As the story unfolds, Fred and Mick reflect on their fading memories and uncertain futures. Fred’s daughter, Lena, who is also his assistant, joins them after her husband leaves her for a pop star. She confronts Fred about his emotional distance during her childhood. Fred eventually reveals that he refuses to perform “Simple Song #3” because the soprano part belongs solely to his wife, who can no longer sing.
Mick completes his screenplay, written for aging actress Brenda Morel, a frequent collaborator. However, Brenda shocks Mick by announcing she has chosen a television role instead, declaring cinema a thing of the past and criticizing his recent work. Devastated, Mick takes his own life. In the aftermath, Fred decides to visit his senile wife in Venice, whom he hasn’t seen in years. He then returns to the UK to conduct “Simple Song #3” for the Queen and Prince, closing a poignant chapter in his life.
Cast director: Paolo Sorrentino
Cast actor: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, Mark Kozelek, Robert Seethaler, Alex MacQueen, Luna Mijović, Tom Lipinski, Chloe Pirrie
Original name: Youth