Il pap'occhio

I was surprised to discover that "Il Pap'Occhio" was censored at the time, most of all knowing Renzo Arbore, who is a celebrated show-man, as famous as Roberto Benigni in Italy. Well, watching the film today, its censorship is totally incomprehensible for me. Which gives me a clue, on the contrary, to appreciate the change of Italian mentality in few years! For those who are more acquainted with anglo-saxon cinema, I would define "Il Pap'Occhio" a film in Monty Phyton's style. The taste of nonsense, social satire, puns and "cultural blinks" to the viewer. Very, very funny to see celebrities such as Isabella Rossellini and other serious intellectuals lending themselves to this game.

This is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. It may appear kind of trashy and somewhat chaotic at times (which is actually part of its magic), but it's definitely great entertainment, both for your brains and your gall bladder. It's whole nonsense, chock full of vignette-gags, full-fledged gags, fantastic exchanges between characters, historical, religious and political puns very well dispensed, without any mercy but also without any unnecessary viciousness. These people definitely don't take themselves (or anything else, for that matter) seriously. Hence the effectiveness of their work. It can be said that every performer was wonderful, because this is the kind of movie you fall in love with. However, Benigni deserves a especial mention (his monologue about the Judgment Day - Giudizio Universale - is totally genius comedy). It helps a lot to know some Italian (it helps even more to be of Italian descent and catholic). In whatever way, see it.