Cast
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Sophia Loren
as Filumena Marturano
Marcello Mastroianni
as Domenico Soriano
Aldo Puglisi
as Alfredo
Tecla Scarano
as Rosalia
Marilù Tolo
as Diana
Gianni Ridolfi
as Umberto
Generoso Cortini
as Michele
Vito Moricone
as Riccardo
Rita Piccione
as Teresina
Lino Mattera
as
Alfio Vita
as Una pasticcere
Alberto Gastaldi
as Doctor
Anna Santoro
as Seamstress
Enza Maggi
as Lucia
Mara Maryl
as
Crew
Director
- Vittorio De Sica
Producer
- Carlo Ponti
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Sometimes when you watch Sophia Loren's Hollywood efforts, she can look a bit unnatural - forced, even. Put her in front of Vittorio De Sica and pair her with Marcello Mastroianni, though, and she is in her element - and that makes for a really enjoyable comedy drama here. It's all set in Naples after the end of WWII when the wealthy "Don Domenico" alights on the seventeen year old, down at heel, hooker "Filumena" and over the years she becomes his mistress whom he supports comfortably. His eyes are set on a younger women for marriage and when "Filumena" discovers this she plays the ultimate of tricks on her beau forcing him to marry her instead. It's a short lived victory, however, when it transpires that her motives were less than honourable and that she has three children only one of whom is his! She won't tell him whom, he is desperate to know - will it end in tears of joy or disaster? It does take a little bit of time for us to get up to speed, but once we are in a higher gear this is a wittily written and funny story that sort of becomes a battle of the sexes - a battle of wits, certainly! Mastroianni and Loren have chemistry a-plenty between them and you can't help but have sympathy for his poor old sidekick "Alfredo" (Aldo Puglisi) too, as the romantic mayhem ensues in quite a stylish fashion. It's really well worth a watch, this - two stars at the top of their game and some fine location photography and rickety old cars!
Jun 18, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Marriage Italian Style examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Vittorio De Sica 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Marriage Italian Style took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1635 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Marriage Italian Style shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Obsession, which focuses more on action than character development, Marriage Italian Style offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Bicycle Thieves and Theorem explore similar territory, Marriage Italian Style 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 18, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Revenue: $12,800,000
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