Cast
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Jack Lemmon
as Wendell Armbruster, Jr.
Juliet Mills
as Pamela Piggott
Clive Revill
as Carlo Carlucci
Edward Andrews
as J.J. Blodgett
Gianfranco Barra
as Bruno
Franco Angrisano
as Arnoldo Trotta
Pippo Franco
as Mattarazzo
Franco Acampora
as Armando Trotta
Giselda Castrini
as Anna
Raffaele Mottola
as Passport Officer
Lino Coletta
as Cipriani
Harry Ray
as Dr. Fleischmann
Guidarino Guidi
as Maitre D'
Giacomo Rizzo
as Barman
Antonino Faà di Bruno
as Concierge (as Antonino Faa' Di Bruno)
Crew
Director
- Billy Wilder
Producer
- Billy Wilder
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Avanti! represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Billy Wilder brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Avanti! took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 144 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 402 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Avanti! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Walk the Line, which focuses more on action than character development, Avanti! offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Secret Life of Words and The Metropolitan Opera: Carmen explore similar territory, Avanti! stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 17, 1972
- Runtime: 2h 24m
- Budget: $2,750,000
Where to Watch
