Detailed Summary
Introduction to the Camorra System
“Gomorrah” opens with a brutal ambush in a tanning salon, introducing the violent and pervasive control of the Camorra, a crime syndicate based in Naples, Italy. The film quickly establishes that this isn’t a typical mafia story but a raw, multi-layered look at how deeply the criminal organization impacts every aspect of life in the region.
The Five Interconnected Storylines
The movie is split into five separate but interconnected narratives:
- Toto, the Teenage Errand Boy: A young grocery delivery boy, Toto, slowly gets involved in the Camorra, starting with delivering drugs and eventually becoming part of the crime world. His story represents the loss of innocence and how the Camorra recruits young people.
- Don Ciro, the Money Distributor: Don Ciro is responsible for distributing cash to the families of imprisoned gang members. As internal tensions rise, Don Ciro finds himself caught in a web of betrayals and must decide where his loyalties lie.
- Marco and Ciro, the Wannabe Gangsters: Two young men, heavily influenced by Hollywood crime movies, dream of becoming powerful criminals. Their reckless ambition leads them into direct conflict with the local Camorra bosses.
- Franco and Roberto, the Waste Disposal Businessmen: Franco runs an illegal toxic waste dumping business with his apprentice, Roberto. Their story reveals the environmental devastation caused by the Camorra’s involvement in waste management.
- Pasquale, the Tailor: Pasquale is a skilled tailor who works for a Camorra-controlled factory. When he decides to secretly work for a Chinese competitor, he becomes a target for the syndicate.
The Brutal Reality of Crime
Each story showcases the inescapable influence of the Camorra on different walks of life, from fashion to waste management. The film’s non-linear narrative and documentary-style realism paint a grim picture of systemic corruption, violence, and exploitation.
Climax and Unresolved Fates
The film crescendos with a series of tragic outcomes: Marco and Ciro’s reckless ambitions lead to their demise, Don Ciro is forced to choose survival over loyalty, and Pasquale’s attempt to break free from the system ends in disaster. Roberto ultimately walks away from Franco’s operation, disillusioned by the environmental destruction they’ve caused.
Conclusion: The Endless Cycle of Violence
“Gomorrah” ends on a bleak note, suggesting that the cycle of violence and corruption continues without resolution. There are no heroes or clear victories—only the harsh realities of life under the Camorra.
Movie Ending
The ending is deliberately anti-climactic, reflecting the harsh truth that, for those trapped in the system, there’s rarely an escape. The film doesn’t tie up loose ends or offer closure, instead leaving viewers with a stark reminder that the Camorra’s influence remains pervasive.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Gomorrah” does not feature any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Gomorrah” is a crime drama with a strong emphasis on realism. It blends elements of documentary filmmaking with gritty narrative storytelling, providing an unfiltered look at organized crime.
Cast
- Salvatore Abruzzese as Totò
- Gianfelice Imparato as Don Ciro
- Toni Servillo as Franco
- Marco Macor as Marco
- Ciro Petrone as Ciro
- Salvatore Cantalupo as Pasquale
- Carmine Paternoster as Roberto
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score is composed by Mokadelic, using minimalistic music that enhances the film’s bleak atmosphere. The soundtrack combines local Neapolitan music with moody, ambient sounds, reflecting the tension and despair present in each story.
Filming Locations
- Scampia, Naples: Most of the film was shot in the housing blocks of Scampia, a notorious Camorra stronghold. The setting is integral to the film’s narrative, illustrating the urban decay and poverty that fuel the syndicate’s power.
- Caserta, Campania: Some scenes were filmed in nearby regions of Campania, highlighting the vast reach of the Camorra.
The locations are crucial in portraying the grim, almost dystopian environment where the characters live.
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Film Festival: Won the Grand Prix.
- European Film Awards: Best European Film, Best Director (Matteo Garrone).
- David di Donatello Awards: Won Best Film, Best Director, and several other categories.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film is based on Roberto Saviano’s investigative book, which led to the author living under police protection due to threats from the Camorra.
- The use of non-professional actors from Naples added authenticity but also posed challenges during filming due to local interference.
- Director Matteo Garrone was praised for his commitment to realism, often shooting in actual locations controlled by the Camorra.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is adapted from Roberto Saviano’s book Gomorrah, which exposed the inner workings of the Camorra.
- Real Events: Many of the events depicted in the film are based on true stories from Saviano’s research.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While there aren’t significant alternate endings, some scenes were trimmed to maintain the film’s tight narrative structure. The original footage included more extended sequences showing the environmental impact of the toxic waste dumping.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Detailed Accounts: The book offers more in-depth exploration of the Camorra’s operations, with detailed accounts of the syndicate’s control over various industries.
- Character Merging: The film condenses some characters and events to fit the narrative structure, while the book offers a more sprawling look at the Camorra’s reach.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Opening Ambush: The tanning salon shootout sets the brutal tone of the film.
- Marco and Ciro’s Reckless Rampage: The scene where the two wannabe gangsters steal weapons and fire them off in an abandoned quarry.
- The Tailor’s Betrayal: Pasquale’s secret work for a Chinese company and the subsequent hit on him.
Iconic Quotes
- “Power doesn’t come from fear. Fear comes from power.” – Franco
- “This is what it means to be part of this world: once you’re in, you can’t get out.” – Don Ciro
- “If you think you can walk away, you’re dead.” – Pasquale
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The opening scene’s tanning salon is a real location linked to Camorra-related violence, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
- The film consistently emphasizes the contrast between ordinary life and violent crime, such as showing children playing in the background during intense, brutal scenes.
Trivia
- The real Camorra attempted to intimidate the filmmakers during production by sending threats.
- The film’s release led to increased interest in the real Scampia area, sparking debates about the representation of the region.
- The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting gives the film its raw, almost documentary-like feel.
Why Watch?
“Gomorrah” is a gripping, unflinching portrayal of organized crime that strips away the romanticism often associated with the mafia genre. Its multi-threaded narrative offers a comprehensive look at how criminal organizations affect every level of society.
Director’s Other Movies
- Reality (2012)
- Tale of Tales (2015)
- Dogman (2018)
- The Embalmer (2002)
- The Guest (2004)
Recommended Films for Fans
- City of God (2002)
- The Godfather Part II (1974)
- Suburra (2015)
- A Prophet (2009)
- The Traitor (2019)
