MEET Italy’s Teflon senator. For more than 50 years, Giulio Andreotti — the centerpiece of “Il Divo” — has been one of his country’s most powerful and feared politicians.
From 1972 to 1992, he was elected prime minister a record seven times, and he has occupied nearly all ministerial posts.
Although retired from active politics, the 90-year-old remains a senator for life.
Over the years he found himself involved in multiple scandals, but he always survived.
Director Paolo Sorrentino’s knockout drama “Il Divo” concentrates on Andreotti’s final government (1991-92) and subsequent legal battles.
It ends with what newspapers called the Trial of the Century, in which Andreotti was accused of ties to the Mafia — as well as ordering the murder of a journalist who was about to release a book critical of the politician.
The highly stylized, often outrageously funny biopic is anchored by a devastating performance by Toni Servillo as Andreotti, brilliantly capturing the gnomic politician’s trademark slouch and inexpressive face. (I couldn’t help being reminded of actor Max Schreck as a vampire in the 1922 silent classic “Nosferatu.”)
Servillo, who also appears in “Gomorrah,” proves himself worthy of an Oscar nomination, although there’s no way in hell he’ll ever get it.
Andreotti’s associates and hangers-on are portrayed with equal intensity, and Anna
Bonaiuto is especially noteworthy as Andreotti’s long-suffering wife, Livia.
“I know who you are,” she tells her slippery husband. “You can’t spend your life with a man and not know who he is. I know who you are.”
The music — from Vivaldi to Sibelius to Teho Teardo’s originals — and the cinematography by Luca Bigazzi add intensity.
Of course, there’s the danger that Americans will get lost in the maze of unfamiliar characters and events — but Servillo’s performance will save the day.
IL DIVO
In Italian, with English subtitles.
Running time: 117 minutes. Not rated (violence). At the Lincoln Plaza and the Sunshine.
vam@nypost.com