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Reality is a 2012 Italian film by director Matteo Garrone that explores the concept of obsession and the pursuit of fame through the eyes of its lead character. The film follows the story of Luciano, a charming and vivacious fishmonger from Naples with a passion for impersonating celebrities. He is a loving father and devoted husband, but his dream of becoming a reality television star slowly takes over his life.

Luciano becomes fixated on the possibility of appearing on the Italian version of the reality show Big Brother. His obsession grows as he becomes more convinced that his audition tape has been noticed. Every day he waits for the call that will give him the break he thinks he deserves. His constant need for attention and validation begins to affect his relationships with those around him, including his wife and children.

As Luciano becomes more and more consumed by his desire to become a reality star, he begins to lose touch with reality. He begins to see illusions and hears the voice of the famous Italian television host who he believes will give him a chance to enter the show. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and he starts to alienate those close to him, including his family and friends.

The film explores the power of the media and how it can manipulate people's emotions and desires. It also delves into the idea of the reality show as a reflection of society and the values it upholds. The film is not just a critique of the media, but also an examination of human nature and the lengths people go to achieve their dreams.

The performances in the film are exceptional. Aniello Arena portrays Luciano with charm, humor, and charisma, drawing the audience into his world with a magnetic energy. Paola Minaccioni and Loredana Simioli both deliver powerful performances as Luciano's wife and sister respectively, portraying the pain and confusion of those who are left behind as Luciano descends into obsession.

The cinematography is also a standout feature of the film. The camera moves smoothly and gracefully, capturing the beauty and grittiness of Naples, while also highlighting the stark contrast between Luciano's mundane reality and the glitz and glamour of the reality television world.

Overall, Reality is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that delves deep into the psychology of obsession and the societal values that drive our desires. The film is both hilarious and heartbreaking, combining moments of humor and warmth with a sense of sadness and tragedy as Luciano's dream becomes a nightmare. It is a meditation on the nature of fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it, and a reflection on the power of the media to shape our desires as a society.

Reality is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 76.