The Embalmer (L'Imbalsamatore) (NR)

synopsis

Peppino is a middle-aged, very short man and skilled taxidermist who supplements his meager living by doing work for the local Mafia. Diego, is a beautiful 20-year-old guy who's fed up with working as a waiter. And Deborah is a young girl who is unhappy with her looks, and her life in general. These three lost souls meet by chance, and as fate would have it, their story becomes a tormented chronicle of denied love. One day, Peppino meets Diego at the zoo, and he is instantly smitten. When he discovers that they share a fascination with animals, he takes Diego on as a well-paid apprentice in order to spend more time with him. So, what is it that keeps the beautiful young Diego, who can have anything, with the manipulative and sneaky Peppino? Is it strictly professional? Is there a mutual romantic attraction? Is it the money? A father-son desire? Mentor and protégé? Peppino's seduction of Diego comes through nights in bars and double dates with hookers, rather than through expressing his physical desire for him. Diego allows Peppino's friendly caresses, and casually dismisses them as part of the fun--that is, until he falls in love with Deborah, a strong-willed young woman who enters his life unexpectedly. As she spends more time with the two, Deborah sees through this seemingly hetero relationship. Peppino tries to accept the changes in his relationship with Diego, but becomes increasingly resentful of Deborah's intrusion.