Cast
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Coluche
as Oscar Pilli
Beppe Grillo
as Marcello Lupi
Bernard Blier
as Belucci
Fabio Testi
as Boda
Claudio Bisio
as Pintus
Gianni Franco
as Cerioni
Franco Diogene
as Nitti
Sandro Ghiani
as Puddu
Guido Nicheli
as Rossi
Tiziana Altieri
as Fatma
Nicola Morelli
as Le colonel psychiatre
Alessandra Vazzoler
as Lola
Antonella Di Marco
as Fatma la prostituée
Geoffrey Copleston
as Le commandant allemand
Crew
Director
- Dino Risi
Writer
- Agenore Incrocci
- Furio Scarpelli
- Dino Risi
Producer
- Pio Angeletti
- Claude Berri
- Adriano De Micheli
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Madman at War represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Dino Risi 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 1985, 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 Madman at War took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 160 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Madman at War shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Good Lad, which focuses more on action than character development, Madman at War offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Closely Watched Trains and A Matter of Resistance explore similar territory, Madman at War stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 21, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 43m
