Today was another rough one. My back remains in debilitating pain which has made even watching movies difficult, but I’m doing the best I can. Regardless, today’s entry is once again going to be on the short end as I try to write through the pain and the painkillers.

Pinocchio (2020, Dir. Matteo Garrone)

No film had me scratching my head more when watching the Oscar nominations this year than Pinocchio. I immediately double checked to make sure that I hadn’t missed the new Guillermo del Toro film, and I hadn’t. Instead, there was a live action Italian version that came out this year. Surprise at its existence aside, I really enjoyed this version of the classic story.  This version leaned heavily into the episodic nature of the story to deliver numerous darkly twisted set pieces.

The film’s Oscar nominated categories are costuming and makeup, and they are more than deserving. Pinocchio’s wooden face is wonderfully done, and as the film becomes more and more fantastical, the animal faces are all wonderfully done. If I had any complaints about these aspects of the film, it’s that the colors are so muted in the film, that it’s difficult to fully appreciate it’s majesty. Still the film stands out as a hidden gem from this year’s Oscar films.