Two timings

Italian film is supposedly experiencing a renaissance of late; Gomorrah, Consequences of Love, Il Divo to name but three films well received by critics and European audiences alike. Personally I was left relatively unmoved by all of them. Far too in love with themselves and far too drawn out and overly political even for me - though Gomorrah had some memorably horrific insights into the low level workings of the Naples mafia the Camorra it has to be said.

La Doppia ora, the Double hour is for my Euro much better than other recent Italian films. I can't give too much away but suffice to say two Lonely hearts; unassuming Security guard Guido and pretty Slovenian Maid Sonia, meet at a Speed dating evening in Turin. Love or something like it blossoms between them during a weekend of passion at a country house Guido has been employed to look after. However, everything becomes quite literally a nightmare for both as they are attacked by armed robbers.

My only real criticisms are that it's filmed with such low-level lighting that it imposes upon the viewer a sense of darkness that is all a bit too obvious. The surreal blends seamlessly with the real as a result but it's an unnecessarily gloomy and dimly-lit affair nonetheless. Perhaps too there's an almost procedural air about the film despite its twists and turns but that's ultimately being too harsh. This is undeniably an excellent debut and well worth seeking out. Ksenia Rappoport's subtle and exemplary performance raise this way above your average thriller and up to top-notch. She and the film won awards and with good reason.

Finally, must add that I kept thinking throughout that this is perfect fodder for a Hollywood remake and lo and behold I subsequently find out that it's apparently on its way...