Reality **1/2 Seen in the theater

2012.
Directed by  Matteo Garrone.
Written by  Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso and others.
With Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli, Nando Paone.

At first I thought this was kind of cute but silly little movie.  Almost too much so.  But then it started to grow on me.

The main character of the film, Luciano, is a well loved fish salesman who occasionally entertains friends at parties and weddings with a drag routine. ,  His friends and family adore him.  I found his loonyness a bit overbearing and annoying, but I suppose it is the character trait that is necessary for the role he plays.  He tries out for a Big Brother type reality TV show an comes away from the try out thinking the producers liked him and that he's going to get selected.  The call he is awaiting is late in arriving and meanwhile he is starting to lose his sense of reality.  He sees spies in every corner and he banks his whole life on the success he thinks will come from his televisions appearance.  

At this point, the film takes a dark turn, and I really liked it. 

here's the trailer.