The Salt of Life (2011)

In the twilight of his sixtieth year, Gianni finds himself adrift in retirement. Far from sinking into lethargy, he fills his days with odd jobs and acts of service. He runs errands for his wife, still immersed in her career, strolls through the neighbourhood with a charming neighbour's dog, and bends to the capricious demands of his affluent mother. Gianni, with his genial nature, has become the neighbourhood's beloved handyman. But does anybody truly appreciate him beyond his helpfulness? The world around him seems to relish his willingness to help, but does anyone genuinely cherish him? His wife benefits from his industriousness, but is it not merely a convenience for her? And his mother, with her vast fortune, could she not simply be exploiting him? Everyone seems to LIKE Gianni, but who truly LOVES him? Amidst the sea of friendly faces and casual acquaintances, he finds no beacon of affection. Sure, he's the favourite amongst the womenfolk due to his kindness, but he has lost his allure as a man. When his suave lawyer friend, Alfonso, throws a jibe at him for not indulging in youthful dalliances like other Italian men of their age, Gianni begins to question his own vitality. This triggers a late-life crisis of sorts, sending him on a quest for affection and validation, chasing after the allure of youth and love... Can Gianni find his salt of life amidst these existential questions?

The Salt of Life is a comedy movie featuring Gianni Di Gregorio.

The Salt of Life is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy The Salt of Life on Apple TV and Kino Now.