"Videocracy"

Italian television has been revolutionized for over 30 years, but perhaps not for the better. Silvio Berlusconi, television magnate and president, created a vast empire full of obsessive wannabes who devote their lives to becoming silent pin-up models for Italian television hosts. Based on what this documentary portrayed, the majority if Italian TV is female-centered. Most of the time, these women are half or fully naked and parading around lavish sets for the pleasures of millions of viewers. Auditions are a public experience with people cheering aspiring models.

"Videocracy" follows several subjects: a young man who is a TV wannabe (his mom is absolutely hilarious); Silvio Berlusconi; Fabrizzio Carona, the chief of paparazzi famous for taking pictures of celebrities in compromising positions and selling them to celebrities (i.e. extortion, which he is arrested for) and who enjoys attention, money, and fame; Lele Mora, the pupeteer of Italian television and close friend of Berlusconi who prides himself in discovering Italy's freshest talent; and Marella Giavonnelli, Berlusconi's neighbor who is the main photographer at all his events.

This documentary generated a lot of emotions. It was so candid yet not one-sided. "Videocracy" is an appalling but honest look into the world of Italian TV. Berlusconi and all the other subjects are so shallow and vain that it's painful. I have contempt for the majority of people profiled in this film. At times, I felt like I was watching a Hollywood movie because this reality in Italy is so unreal. I've never felt more angry after watching a documentary--and this is a good film. Everything I learned in my documentary class last fall is now coming to light; I'm experiencing what I'm supposed to and reacting in ways I never thought imaginable.

When "Videocracy" gets a more widespread release, I recommend checking it out. If you want to see a documentary that will provoke your innermost feelings and cause much debate, "Videocracy" is therefore the film for you.