Comandante ( 2023 )

Comandante (2023): A Dive into a Submersible Tragedy and Triumph

Edoardo De Angelis's Comandante (2023), which opened the 80th Venice International Film Festival, is a gripping, claustrophobic, and ultimately humanistic portrayal of Italian submarine commander Salvatore Todaro during World War II. The film, starring Pierfrancesco Favino in a powerful performance, isn't a gung-ho war movie filled with explosions and action. Instead, it's a character study, a moral dilemma play set largely within the confines of a submarine, and a meditation on the complexities of warfare and compassion. It focuses on a single, crucial event in Todaro's life, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about duty, humanity, and the nature of conflict.

The Historical Context: Salvatore Todaro and the Cappellini Incident

To fully appreciate Comandante, it's essential to understand the historical figure it's based on: Salvatore Todaro, a decorated and controversial Italian naval officer. The film centers around the incident involving the Italian submarine Cappellini in October 1940. The Cappellini encountered the Belgian freighter Kabalo, which was carrying war materials for the British. After sinking the Kabalo, Todaro made the extraordinary decision to rescue the 26 Belgian sailors adrift in the Atlantic. This act of compassion, undertaken at great risk to his own crew and submarine, forms the core narrative of the film.

While the film takes dramatic liberties, it accurately portrays the fundamental facts of the incident and captures the spirit of Todaro's actions. It's important to remember that during World War II, such acts of humanitarianism were rare, especially within the brutal context of naval warfare. Todaro's decision challenged the accepted norms and raised questions about the very definition of an enemy.

Synopsis: A Tense and Enclosed Drama

The film opens with the Cappellini embarking on a patrol mission in the Atlantic Ocean. Todaro, a stern but respected leader, instills in his crew a sense of duty and discipline. Their mission is clear: intercept and destroy enemy ships. The tension is palpable, the cramped quarters adding to the sense of claustrophobia and danger. When the Cappellini encounters the Kabalo, Todaro orders its sinking, adhering to his orders. However, the sight of the survivors clinging to wreckage in the vast ocean compels him to act. He orders his crew to rescue the Belgian sailors, a decision met with apprehension and confusion.

The remainder of the film focuses on the challenges of accommodating 26 additional people in the already cramped submarine. The language barrier, the cultural differences, and the constant threat of enemy attack create a tense and volatile environment. Todaro faces resistance from some of his crew, who view the rescued sailors as a burden and a risk. He also grapples with his own internal conflict, balancing his duty to his country with his moral obligation to save lives. The film culminates in a daring and dangerous attempt to bring the Belgian sailors to the safety of the Azores, a neutral territory. The journey is fraught with peril, testing the limits of both the submarine and the human spirit.

Pierfrancesco Favino's Powerful Performance

Pierfrancesco Favino delivers a tour-de-force performance as Salvatore Todaro. He embodies the commander's stoicism, his unwavering resolve, and his underlying humanity. Favino's portrayal is nuanced and complex, avoiding simplistic hero worship. He portrays Todaro as a man of contradictions, a skilled warrior capable of both ruthless efficiency and profound compassion. His commanding presence fills the screen, even in the tightest of spaces, drawing the audience into Todaro's inner world. Favino's performance is a masterclass in understated acting, conveying a wealth of emotion with subtle gestures and piercing glances.

Themes: Morality, Duty, and the Human Cost of War

Comandante explores several profound themes related to the nature of warfare and the human condition:

• Morality in War: The film directly confronts the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers during wartime. Todaro's decision to rescue the Belgian sailors challenges the notion of the enemy as a faceless abstraction. It forces the audience to consider the moral implications of following orders blindly and the importance of individual conscience.
• The Burden of Leadership: Todaro carries the weight of responsibility for his crew and the rescued sailors. His decisions have life-or-death consequences, and he must navigate complex moral and strategic challenges. The film highlights the immense pressure faced by military leaders in times of conflict.
• Humanity in the Face of Adversity: Despite the differences in nationality and allegiance, the film emphasizes the shared humanity of the Italian and Belgian sailors. The cramped quarters of the submarine force them to confront each other as individuals, breaking down the barriers of prejudice and animosity. Acts of kindness and solidarity emerge, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
• The Absurdity of War: While not explicitly anti-war, the film subtly exposes the absurdity of the conflict. The sinking of a freighter carrying war materials, followed by the rescue of its crew, highlights the cyclical and often senseless nature of violence. The film suggests that war is ultimately a human tragedy, regardless of the justifications used to wage it.

Technical Aspects: Claustrophobia and Tension

The film's technical aspects contribute significantly to its overall impact. The cinematography effectively captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of the submarine, utilizing tight close-ups and limited lighting to create a sense of unease and confinement. The sound design is equally effective, amplifying the mechanical noises of the submarine and the tense silences between the characters. The production design is meticulous, recreating the interior of a World War II-era submarine with remarkable detail.

The film's pacing is deliberate, building tension gradually as the story unfolds. The lack of action sequences allows the audience to focus on the characters and their emotional journeys. The script is tightly written, with dialogue that is both realistic and impactful. The film's ending, while not entirely conclusive, leaves the audience with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the human capacity for compassion.

Reception and Critical Analysis

Comandante has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Favino's performance, the film's exploration of complex themes, and its masterful use of atmosphere. Some critics have noted the film's slow pace and lack of action, while others have argued that these qualities contribute to its overall effectiveness. The film has also sparked debate about the historical accuracy of its portrayal of Salvatore Todaro and the moral implications of his actions.

Despite these criticisms, Comandante remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on World War II. It is a film that stays with the viewer long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection on the nature of war, morality, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Comparison with Other Submarine Films

While Comandante shares the setting of a submarine with films like Das Boot (1981) and U-571 (2000), it differs significantly in its focus and tone. Unlike those films, which emphasize action and suspense, Comandante is primarily a character study and a moral drama. It is less concerned with the mechanics of submarine warfare and more interested in the human consequences of conflict.

Here's a table comparing Comandante with other notable submarine films:

The Real Salvatore Todaro: Hero or Controversial Figure?

The film has reignited the debate surrounding the historical figure of Salvatore Todaro. Was he a humanitarian hero who defied the norms of war, or a controversial figure who endangered his crew for the sake of compassion? The answer is likely somewhere in between. Todaro's actions were undoubtedly courageous and compassionate, but they also put his submarine and crew at significant risk. His decision to rescue the Belgian sailors was a complex one, driven by a combination of moral conviction and perhaps a degree of recklessness.

It's important to acknowledge that Todaro was a product of his time and his military training. He was a skilled and dedicated naval officer who followed orders and fought for his country. However, he also possessed a strong sense of personal integrity and a willingness to challenge the accepted norms of warfare when he believed it was morally right to do so. This complexity is what makes him such a compelling and enduring figure.

Here's a table summarizing the arguments for and against viewing Todaro as a hero:

Conclusion: A Powerful and Enduring War Film

Comandante is more than just a war film; it's a profound meditation on morality, duty, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Edoardo De Angelis has crafted a gripping and thought-provoking narrative that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of conflict and the complexities of human behavior. Pierfrancesco Favino's performance is a masterclass in understated acting, bringing to life the conflicted and compelling figure of Salvatore Todaro.

The film's claustrophobic setting, its deliberate pacing, and its focus on character development create a unique and memorable viewing experience. While some may find its lack of action disappointing, others will appreciate its nuanced exploration of complex themes. Ultimately, Comandante is a film that stays with the viewer long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection on the meaning of courage, compassion, and the enduring human cost of war. It is a welcome addition to the canon of submarine films, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on a familiar genre.