By Ed Kopch
“Vincere” (+) This film is a docudrama portraying the events surrounding Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi) in his youth, beginning in 1907 when he was a member of the Socialist Party.
Mussolini was a revolutionary when he met Ida Dalser (Giovanna Mezzogiorno), who saved him from the police. They had a hot-and-heavy affair and married. He supported the war against Germany and broke with the Socialist Party — which opposed going to war in 1914. For unexplained reasons, Mussolini left Ida and wed Rachele (Michela Cescon). Ida spent the rest of her life trying to get him to recognize her as his wife and their son as his heir. Mussolini’s response to her drives her into a mental institution.
Although Timi looks nothing like Mussolini, he makes him come alive on the screen. Timi also portrays Mussolini’s son, Benito Albino — who, as an adult, also ends up in a mental institution.
Unrated. Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes. Currently screening at, among other places, IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave. at W. Third Street). For info., call 212-924-7771.
