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The Embalmer

Play trailer Poster for The Embalmer 2003 1h 41m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux) is a skilled but lonely taxidermist until he crosses paths with Valerio (Valerio Foglia Manzillo), a handsome waiter in search of a better job. Peppino is strangely attracted to the charismatic young man and offers him a cushy position as his apprentice. To curry favor with his pretty-boy aide, Peppino lavishes him with gifts. But when Valerio meets the beautiful Deborah (Elisabetta Rocchetti), a twisted love triangle evolves that can only spell disaster.
The Embalmer

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Intriguingly creepy and unsettling.

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Critics Reviews

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Gary Dowell Dallas Morning News Dec 11, 2003
B-
In spite of some stiltedness, The Embalmer is an oft-intriguing examination of unquenched desire and the power of beauty. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Nov 14, 2003
3/4
Masterful at concealing its true nature and surprising us with the turns of the story. Go to Full Review Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Nov 13, 2003
3/4
The movie, a keen look at the way passion unravels and obsession destroys, creates a black mood, a sense of truth and an enduring chill that stay with you. Go to Full Review Pamela Troy culturevulture.net May 22, 2004
A twisted and fascinating tale, with a climax that's as logical as it is unexpected Go to Full Review Kent Turner Film-Forward.com Apr 19, 2004
2.75/5
[Actor Ernesto] Mahieux adds layers of gentleness and false bravado in what could have been a stereotypical role. Go to Full Review Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion Dec 29, 2003
C+
Despite its virtues, the picture comes across rather like something that has itself been disinterred from the fairly remote past. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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nefasto r @Nefasto May 19, 2018 Le atmosfere di Garrone mi fanno sempre rabbrividire. Gran bel fim. See more Mar 6, 2014 The director knows where he can stuff it! (pun intended) See more Sep 21, 2013 Definitely one of the best Italian movie of recent years. The movie manages to create and maintain, for its entire duration, a disturbing and mysterious atmosphere and also a high degree of realism, thanks to the naturalness of the acting. A timeless story about the cruelty of nature and the impossibility of being normal. Very good. See more Sep 10, 2013 Definitely one of the best Italian movie of recent years. The movie manages to create and maintain, for its entire duration, a disturbing and mysterious atmosphere and also a high degree of realism, thanks to the naturalness of the acting. A timeless story about the cruelty of nature and the impossibility of being normal. Very good. See more Nov 16, 2012 Forse uno dei film italiani davvero originali degli ultimi anni. Girato tra due città anomale, Caserta e Cremona, un nano imbalsamatore colluso con la mafia, un giovane alla ricerca di un punto di riferimento, una donna dalla labbra rifatte che si inserisce nel loro strano rapporto. con una regia, degli attori e una confezione veramente innovativi in Italia. See more Sep 27, 2012 Tra una sporca e triste Campania e un'uggiosa e altrettanto triste Cremona, questo film narra la storia di due persone. Forse di tre. E' l'unica cosa che si può dire di questo film. E' malinconico spesso e volentieri, ma oltre a questo non si capisce cos'altro voglia essere. Una storia d'amore? Una storia di tradimenti? Una storia di criminalità? O forse nessuno degli esempi portati. Ernesto Mahieux è super, gli altri si arrangiano come possono. See more Read all reviews
The Embalmer

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Cast & Crew

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Matteo Garrone

Director

Ernesto Mahieux

Peppino Profeta

Valerio Foglia Manzillo

Valerio

Elisabetta Rocchetti

Deborah

Lina Bernardi

Madre di Deborah

Pietro Biondi

Padre di Deborah

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The Embalmer

The Embalmer (2002) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux) is a skilled but lonely taxidermist until he crosses paths with Valerio (Valerio Foglia Manzillo), a handsome waiter in search of a better job. Peppino is strangely attracted to the charismatic young man and offers him a cushy position as his apprentice. To curry favor with his pretty-boy aide, Peppino lavishes him with gifts. But when Valerio meets the beautiful Deborah (Elisabetta Rocchetti), a twisted love triangle evolves that can only spell disaster.
Director
Matteo Garrone
Producer
Domenico Procacci
Screenwriter
Ugo Chiti, Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso
Distributor
Four Ways Features, First Run
Production Co
Fandango
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Italian
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 18, 2003, Original
Release Date (DVD)
May 18, 2004
Box Office (Gross USA)
$56.3K
Runtime
1h 41m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital, Surround
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