ABSENCE OF SILENCE
Scientists tell us that a huge asteroid is approaching the earth. Life on earth is threatened by extinction. We are shown charts of the death rock’s trajectory. Ominous music underscores our first glimpse of the intruder. Then, we cut to it somewhere in space. Now up close, we see it. Unfortunately, we also hear it roaring in an ambiance where sound is not possible.
AMBIENT SOUND
We hear the clamor of the waterfall, the commotion of birds on the wing, the rush of wind through violently trembling grass and leaves. But, alas, we don’t hear a word of dialogue spoken by the actors.
FANFARE AND FLOURISH
The knight approaches the queen. He bows with one arm crossing his waist, the other, his back. This, despite the fact that no self-respecting royal court would countenance so awkward a gesture.
FOREIGN TONGUES
Everyone in this movie is Russian. Why are all the actors speaking with a Russian accent?
MAGIC PUNCHES
The hero must render three guards unconscious so that he may achieve his goals. Somehow, he manages to do so with knockout punches that last exactly as long as the script requires.
SWEET WHISPERS
The antagonists are finally face to face. Their dialogue is filled with hatred and venom. They hurl the vilest of insults against each other. They threaten to fight one another to the death. Why are they whispering?
SWOONING
Can people really faint backwards?
Reflections and commentaries by the other Mario Martone 