The film begins with Andreotti sitting alone in a dark room with acupuncture needles all over his face. He is using them to stop the constant migraines he suffers from. Andreotti is a man who has outlived his opponents' belief that one day he will be dead in the water as a politician. Unfortunately, Andreotti has outlived them seven times over as a politician and leader of Italy as their political careers fade away. But, the turning point of the film is Andreotti losing his eighth term as Prime Minister. Lima, one of Andreotti's inner faction members for years is murdered by the mafia and it signifies an end of the mafia's support of Andreotti.
The film is primarily about corruption, power and Andreotti's ability to somehow outlive everyone in the violent political culture of Italy. Andreotti goes on trial and his demeanor doesn't change. He remains steadfast in his ability to outlast his opponents this time the law. Andreotti has been investigated 26 times during his time as Prime Minister and beaten them all, but this time he goes to trial--now that he is not the Prime Minister and outside support appears to no longer be with him. But, the man responsible for the deaths of many influential people in Italy somehow escapes all charges and is acquitted into his position as Senator for life in the country.
Most notably, Andreotti's body tells the story. He, unlike many others we see in the film, remains the same--stiff, with a calm appearance on the outside, moving in angles never curving in any directions. And, his voice remains steadfast, never lower and not louder when he is in the midst of people. All of this tells us that he demands that others bend to him, he will never move towards their will and ultimately that becomes the case as his charges for murder and conspiracy are acquitted and he can live out his life free from the cell he should be occupying.
