Benigni won a place in people’s minds with his big-hearted take on the holocaust. He won an even bigger place when he ran across the backs of black-tie seats to collect his Oscar in 1998. Love, family and imagination, it seems, conquers all. Following similar themes, he emerges after the disastrous Pinocchio to explore love, family and imagination against the invasion of Iraq. A more unlikely mix of comedy and drama you’ll never see.

Starring Mr and Mrs Benigni, The Tiger and the Snow takes its name from a surreal moment that suggests no matter how unlikely, ill-conceived or ill-matched a coupling is, some things are just meant to be. Like the relationship between Attilo and Vittoria, separated Romans whose children keep them in contact. She’s beautiful, confident, calm. He’s peculiar, unsure, hysterical. Determined to regain her failed affection, Attilo works on regaining her respect. To appreciate Benigni’s intentions, first you have to appreciate Benigni’s effervescent performance. His clownish antics recall an Italian blend of Chaplin and Allen without volume control. His shouty, twitchy performance has charm though for the most part is simply irritating, especially in a war zone. For Attilo has forced his way into Baghdad to save Vittoria who, visiting an Iraqi poet, is critically injured during the invasion of 2003.

This unusual and ill-conceived coupling strives to retain credibility as he demonstrates the power of love and the lengths a strident heart will take: madness of war Vs the madness of love, with humour lurking in the chaos of life. Life is Beautiful was a magical flight of fancy. The Tiger and the Snow, while not without its peculiar, absurd appeal, barely gets off the ground.

// COLIN FRASER