When directors turn to commercials, the contained parameters of promotional materials means their trademark aesthetics can sometimes be heightened. And certainly for Paolo Sorrentino, his penchant for decadence is very much on display in this short film for Campari.
Clive Owen stars as the world’s sexiest bartender, who serves up drinks and stories to a variety of attractive women, leading to the creation of the titular drink. It’s a nifty premise that’s played out in high style, with plenty of ’80s costuming, a sprawling cast, and visual pizzazz. And running a shade under 15 minutes, it’s more satisfying than those thirty-second perfume spots most filmmakers knock out. Grab a stiff drink and check it out.