Reviews for The Berlusconi Show
19th March 2010
"Extraordinary, fascinating and worrying, all at the same time - a good title - this is proper, balanced reporting"
Journalist Mark Franchetti, who's lived away from his native country for 20 years, goes back to find out how the hell this clown came to lead a European democracy in the 21st century. He speaks to lots of people on both sides, and looks at the historical context of Berlusconi's rise to power. For the viewer, though, what stands out is the stuff that makes you wince. It's not as if we didn't know it all before: the media control, the alleged mafia connections and corruption, the links to the extreme right, the trials, the legislative changes, the escorts and young girls, the cosmetic surgery, the parties, the gaffes, the dissing of Angela Merkel, the referring to Barack Obama as "tanned". It's just that, when it's all presented together, you're left with your jaw on the floor. How the frigging frig did that happen?
- Sam Wollaston, GUARDIAN
Silvio Berlusconi is a phenomenon. Abroad, he may be regarded as a gaffe-prone clown but at home he is treated like a rock star or the lead actor in a uniquely Italian soap opera. A former cruise-ship crooner who has been summoned to court 2,500 times, he is accused by his political enemies of being dishonest, cunning, corrupt, autocratic and wholly self-interested — a second Mussolini. It is said that he went into politics only to avoid becoming a fugitive from justice. Yet he shrugs off sex scandals, allegations of corruption and links with the Mafia, and enjoys the highest approval rating of any leader in Europe. This colourful profile explains what kind of person he is, what he is accused of — and why the Italians keep electing him.
- TIMES ON LINE
He’s a master of scandal and public blunders, and there are even rumours of collusion with the Mafia, but Silvio Berlusconi continues to bumble on as prime minister of Italy.
- METRO
Berlusconi seems to thrive in the face of adversity. Few other leaders could survive - can Berlusconi continue to defy his critics?
- UK TV GUIDE
'Mark Franchetti runs the rule over the sins of Silvio and then communes with his approving public.... brave journalism'
- TIME OUT
'In this terrific documentary, Mark Franchetti brings an outsider’s bemusement to bear on his subject'
- GUARDIAN
'Tonight’s engaging documentary sees Franchetti examine the Berlusconi phenomenon'
- SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'This colourful documentary explains... why Italians keep voting for him. Welcome to the all singing, all dancing Berlusconi Show'
- THE TIMES
