Tale of Tales

"Tale of Tales" is a fantasy drama film directed by Matteo Garrone, based on a collection of 17th-century Italian folktales compiled by Italian collector Giovanni Francesco Straparola. The film interweaves three separate storylines, each representing a different fairy tale, showcasing the cruel, the absurd, and the surreal worlds of the original tales. In the kingdom of Selvascura, Queen Dora (Salma Hayek) is desperate to become a mother, but has been repeatedly disappointed by her inability to conceive. Her husband, the King of Selvascura, has all but given up hope on producing an heir. However, Dora remains determined to bring a child into the world, and turns to a witch for assistance. With the witch's dark magic, Dora is given a magical egg that holds the key to her dream of motherhood. This dark pregnancy takes on a life of its own, symbolizing Dora's deep-seated desire and her eventual descent into the depths of her own madness. In the nearby kingdom of Roccaforte, the charming and affable King Bruno (John C. Reilly) falls head over heels in love with the enchanting voice of a mysterious enchantress. Desperate to be with the one whose voice has captured his heart, King Bruno embarks on a treacherous journey, traversing uncharted lands and overcoming countless obstacles to reach the source of her captivating tones. As he draws closer to the truth behind the voice, he discovers a world of wonder, mystery, and enchantment, which, unfortunately, he is ill-equipped to comprehend. Meanwhile, the kingdom of Altomonte is in disarray due to the erratic behavior of its King, Armando (Toni Servillo), who becomes hopelessly infatuated with a flea. Obsessively fixated on the parasite, the King indulges in extravagant rituals and grandiose gestures to capture and hold onto the flea, which has seemingly bewitched him. His daughter, Isabella, is the only one who notices the gravity of his situation and tries to intervene, but King Armando's fixation ultimately proves too powerful to overcome. This bizarre infatuation serves as a commentary on the societal pressures and expectations that can lead even the most powerful and well-intentioned individuals down a path of self-destruction. As the three storylines unfold, the film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the viewer into a world where the conventions of everyday life no longer apply. With its richly detailed settings, vivid characters, and surreal plot twists, "Tale of Tales" is a cinematic experience unlike any other. Through its three interconnected storylines, "Tale of Tales" offers a scathing critique of the societal pressures and expectations that govern the lives of royalty, particularly in a 17th-century context. Each story serves as a commentary on the absurdities and cruelties of a world governed by privilege, power, and superstition. At its core, the film poses the question: what does it mean to be human in a world where power and influence can warp even the noblest of intentions? The film's ambiguous conclusions offer no definitive answers, but instead leave the viewer with a profound sense of unease and a lingering sense of wonder.