It’s unfortunate though understandable that
the Italian film has been dubbed into English for
its North American theatrical release, making
it slightly annoying for adults but ultimately
more accessible to children. The best you can do
under these circumstances is to just try to ignore
it because, for now, it’s the only way you can
experience it in the U.S.
Blending realism and fantasy, Garrone’s film
takes us back to an impoverished Tuscany where
Roberto Benigni as Geppetto sculpts a young
boy puppet out of an enchanted piece of wood
and begs it to come to life. He’s desperate for a
son and overcome with joy when he gets what
he wished for. But Pinocchio, played by Federico
Ielapi, does not emerge grateful: He is restless
and naughty, which is partly naivete and partly
mischievousness. It’s not too long before his
disobedience finds him far away from home in
the company of less than savory characters who
he is too trusting of. And Pinocchio must embark
on a dangerous and epic odyssey to try to find
his way back to Geppetto and safety.
This Pinocchio is perhaps one of the more
realistic depictions of what a wooden puppet
that’s come to life might look like. His look is
almost identical to Enrico Mazzanti’s original
drawings and translated to this live-action film
through a combination of computer graphics
and makeup from Mark Coulier, the Oscar-
winning makeup artist behind “The Grand
Budapest Hotel.” It is a remarkable achievement
in special effects.
The production design is equally noteworthy, from
Geppetto’s workshop to the stunning home of
the blue-haired fairy who watches over Pinocchio.