Cert 15
124 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex, nudity
It may boast fine performances from Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel and a sparkling cameo by Jane Fonda but the most memorable moment of Youth starred Diego Maradona.
At least I reckon it was Maradona.
I had thought that the Argentine footballing superstar had been playing himself in the film but later found out that it was lookalike, Roly Serrano.
But I can't believe that Serrano could juggle a tennis ball in the way that one scene demanded. So it looks as if the real Diego gave a quick masterclass.
I highlight that scene because it is representative of scores of tangents which fire off from the main story of Paolo Sorrentino's film.
Its focus is mainly on Caine as an ageing composer who is on holiday at an exclusive and beautiful Swiss resort with his best friend (Keitel) and daughter (Rachel Weisz).
The composer is withdrawing more and more from the outside world and turns down a request to perform for the Queen. This sparks an analysis of his past, present and uncertain future.
There are many smart and humorous scenes of dialogue between Caine and Keitel whose intimate discussions range from who they bedded in their 20s to how much they have managed to pee on a particular day.
But the longer Youth continues the more melancholic it is and the more bizarre the tangents become (Paul Dano dressed as a table-thumping Hitler during breakfast is an example).
Youth is not an easy film - there are scenes which have echoes of the most surreal of David Lynch's work.
But perseverance is rewarded and, while I don't believe that it ties up all of its loose ends, much of it makes sense by its conclusion.
Either that or the more arty movie offerings are finally beginning to chime with me,
Reasons to watch: some classic performances by a high-quality cast
Reasons to avoid: it is very obtuse at times
Laughs: two
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Star tweet
Rachael Weisz, Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and I are in Los Angeles promoting "Youth," directed by Paolo Sorrentino