El diablo

This film's silly English title does not serve its material. Indeed, the original Italian title, which was probably a good marketing trick for the time, is also seriously misplaced. A better title would be Foreign Illusions, or just plain Illusions.

Sure, the story plays with the idea of sex, but Sordi is rather wistful, almost pathetic, in his loneliness and search for a connection. There is comedy but it's restrained and wrought with middle-aged perspectives, not bed-hopping and giggling.

Sordi is always good and here shows his acting nuances and ability to extract some comic moments, rather ironically, from his failed foreign adventures. Don Giovanni, he is not. The script is solid and explores all the characters with warmth and humanity.

A real feature is the photography, and the snowy landscapes look excellent in monochrome. In a way the frigid landscapes stand as a metaphor for Sordi's travails.

Language presents another barrier, and while Sordi's English is a lingua franca with the Swedish women, it hardly allows for more intimate communication.

Overall, well worth catching up with this part of the Alberto Sordi catalog.