Written and Directed by Giuseppe Tornatoe

Music in movies – you’ve surely heard it, right? It’s usually in present in all of them to some degree, in the peak of a climax or the depths of melancholy, most of it unnoticed – unless you’re Black Panther or Suicide Squad, each receiving stimulus packages of radio hits barely appearing either, bar the extended credit roll.

But what about that music that gets orchestra renditions on tour? The kind with the brass and woodwind, strings, and ambience? If you like Batman (or any other blockbuster made in the last decade) you’re probably familiar with Hans Zimmer; but before Hans, there was Ennio.

I hadn’t heard of Ennio Morricone, but his contributions to film – at least according to the glowing endorsements of half of Hollywood, everyone that’s ever collaborated with him, and himself – are without comparison. The world had over two hours to convince me that Ennio changed the soundscape of cinema, and through a meticulous recreation of his career, I’ve got to concede that it did just that.

Maybe it’s the plethora of high-profile friends, the decades in the industry, or the number of genres conquered, by the end of Ennio there is nothing left of this dead horse even if you did want to beat it a little more. Perhaps not aided by my lack of knowledge around soundtracks, regardless of how spectacular this visual resume is, it felt a little long-winded and indulgent. Don’t get me wrong, the indulgence certainly sold the character, and if it weren’t for split-second appearances by the likes of Clint Eastwood and Quincy Jones, then I wouldn’t have afforded Ennio so much clout, but the team behind this project really threw in everything and the kitchen sink.

But as is the case for a legend, an artist, an egomaniac, and most importantly: an auteur, this kind of walking phenomenon justifies the mindless repetition of dozens, nay hundreds, of compliments across hundreds of interviewees because they’re impossible to understand. Dozens of perspectives and opinions on the mind of Ennio all agree on one thing: he is not normal. And when you see him recreate some of the most recognisable songs in film, songs he made, then just like me with every blow it will sink in just how much can be achieved in one life.

Ennio is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from December 8th.

Moviedoc thanks Hi Gloss Entertainment for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Reviewed by Zak Wheeler for Moviedoc

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