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The Queen of Selvascura risks everything to be a mother; the King of Roccaforte falls in love with the voice of a mysterious girl; the King of Altomonte becomes obsessed with a flea and neglects his daughter.

PTale of Tales* is an Italian fantasy film directed by Matteo Garrone, based on the fairy tales of Giambattista Basile. The film weaves together three distinct narratives set in different kingdoms, where desire, obsession, and the complexities of human nature are explored through dark, often grotesque fairytale elements.

In the first story, “The Enchanted Doe,” a Queen struggles to conceive a child. A necromancer tells her that eating the heart of a sea monster, prepared by a virgin, will grant her the pregnancy she desires. The Queen’s wish is fulfilled, but the price of her desire is steep, as the King dies in the process, and the Queen’s actions spark a tragic cycle of obsession between two young boys born from the sacrifice.

The second tale, “The Flayed Old Lady,” tells of the lustful King of Strongcliff, who becomes obsessed with the voice of an old woman named Dora. After he beds her, he is horrified by her appearance and throws her out of a window. A witch restores Dora’s youth, and she returns to the King, who marries her. However, the greed and jealousy surrounding her newfound beauty lead to further tragedy.

The final story, “The Flea,” follows a King obsessed with a gigantic flea that he raises in secret. When the flea dies, the King offers his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who can guess what animal the skin comes from. A monstrous ogre correctly identifies it, setting in motion a tragic fate for the princess Violet.

These three tales intertwine themes of vanity, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked desires, all told through a visually stunning yet grotesque lens.

Themes of Tale of Tales

The film is an exploration of human nature, framed through fantastical elements that emphasize desire and obsession. Several key themes emerge from the stories:

1. Desire and Obsession: The characters in each story are driven by overwhelming desires, whether it’s the Queen’s longing for a child, the King’s obsession with beauty, or the King of Highhills’ fixation on the flea. These desires often lead to tragic outcomes.
2. Vanity and the Passage of Time: The Queen and Dora both struggle with their aging bodies and the societal pressure to maintain their youth and beauty. The film examines the lengths they go to preserve themselves, leading to horrifying transformations.
3. Power and Corruption: The kings and queens in the film wield great power but misuse it, whether through selfishness or cruelty. Their decisions ripple through their kingdoms, affecting the lives of others and themselves.
4. The Price of Sacrifice: Whether it’s the Queen’s decision to sacrifice her husband or Dora’s choice to endure pain for beauty, each character faces consequences for their actions. The film suggests that all desires come with a cost.

These themes are universal yet presented in a deeply unsettling and sometimes grotesque way, making the film both thought-provoking and disturbing.

10 Reasons to Watch Tale of Tales

1. Visual Mastery: The film boasts stunning cinematography and set designs that draw from the gothic and baroque traditions. The fantastical settings are immersive, making each kingdom a work of art.
2. Unique Storytelling: The narrative structure, which interweaves three distinct tales, offers a refreshing take on the traditional fairy tale genre.
3. Strong Performances: Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, and Toby Jones deliver memorable performances, bringing life to these larger-than-life characters.
4. Darkly Beautiful: The grotesque and the beautiful are juxtaposed throughout the film, creating a unique aesthetic that will linger with viewers long after watching.
5. Themes of Desire and Consequences: The exploration of human nature and obsession through fantastical lenses makes for a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
6. Gothic Fairy Tales: If you enjoy dark, twisted fairy tales, Tale of Tales offers a mature take on the genre, filled with bizarre characters and eerie scenarios.
7. Director’s Vision: Matteo Garrone’s skillful direction, known from films like Gomorrah and Dogman, brings a unique sensibility to this fantasy narrative.
8. Historical Fantasy Setting: The film’s setting evokes medieval times, adding layers of intrigue with its royal courts, kingdoms, and fantastical creatures.
9. Complex Female Characters: The three main female characters — the Queen, Dora, and Violet — are complex and multi-dimensional, offering nuanced portrayals of desire, ambition, and survival.
10. A Surreal Experience: The film’s surreal and dreamlike qualities make it an absorbing experience for those looking for something out of the ordinary.

How You Will Feel After Watching Tale of Tales

After watching Tale of Tales, you will likely be left with a sense of unease and contemplation. The dark and surreal nature of the film may challenge your understanding of fairy tales and human desires. You may feel disturbed by the grotesque transformations and the tragic fates of the characters, but also captivated by the film’s visual beauty and thematic depth. The film’s non-traditional narrative might leave you reflecting on the complexity of human emotions, including vanity, obsession, and sacrifice. It will provoke thought about the price of desires and the consequences of trying to control fate.

Ultimately, Tale of Tales is a film that doesn’t provide easy answers, leaving the viewer with an unsettling, lingering sense of both awe and discomfort. It’s a deeply immersive experience for those who appreciate thought-provoking, visually striking cinema with a dark edge.