I mostri

Most of the patrons of the good cinema know that Italian film industry has always been at the forefront of serious as well as good cinema movement.So by that yardstick,it is important to make a note of Italian comedy.This was one of the most interesting chapters of Italian cultural life after the dreadful harsh realities of the treacherous World War 2.As Italy made a meticulously planned recovery after the harsh destruction of an alien invasion,its society witnessed numerous sociological as well as economical upheavals.This was the primary reason which gave birth to Italian cinema movement.Dino Rosi's film "I Mostri" is the perfect example of Italian ribaldry. It was made as a result of many people's collective efforts. Apart from Ugo Tognazzi and Vittorio Gassman, famous filmmaker Ettore Scola also lent a helping hand. Although there are short humorous episodes in this film, due to its 2 hour length,this film gives subtle impression of a feature film.A must for all those who are interested in good cinema, Italian culture and the strengths and weaknesses of human behavior.

This film is terrific, at the same level as Risi's The Easy Life. Each of the 19 episodes works wonderfully. The two principal actors, Gassman and Tognazi are superb. I laughed loudly many times during the film, shown in Paris where I am currently spending three months, as the first film in an Italian Comedy series running at the Reflet Medicis cinema. The final episode, The Noble Sport,was tragic in its denouement, just as the final scene in The Easy Lifeis tragic. In that film, the Gassman character, Bruno, walks away,physically unscathed. In I Mostri, the character played by Gassman in the final episode, does not get off so lucky. It is inexplicable to me that these films are not available on DVD (or video) in the United States. Of course many great films are not available, but do not hesitate to go significantly out of your way to see this film.

Sadly, there are no such movies anymore. Because there are no longer such actors anymore. Ugo Tognazzi and Vittorio Gassman. Who of today's generation knows or have ever heard of them? Or of Dino Risi? Now we live in the era of Tom Cruise and Vin Diesel... Glory to the Lord, there are also De Niro, Pacino, Nicholson, Malkovich... OK, about "I mostri": it's one of the best and most original movies in the whole history of cinema. Gassman and Tognazzi, two chameleons, they were and remain both two of the most versatile actors, two of the greatest ever! You need to see this film and all their films, to understand why.

For me it's difficult to speak about this great comedy. it's very funny with sometimes black humour. There is also a good psychological analysis of italian society. Dino Risi with "I Mostri" & "I Nuovi Monstri" do an excelent job. Gassman and Tognazi are exceptional.

My advice: - If you have seen the movie, see it again and if you haven't you must try to find it.

Sketch movies are usually not my favourites, but this one is really good! It is a incredible festival of comic roles, brilliantly interpreted by a legendary duo : Vittorio Gassman and Ugo Tognazzi! Two "monsters" of italian cinema... These 20 mini-stories illustrate all the faults and defaults of Italian people of that time through an incredible kaleidoscope of characters and situations. Gassman and Tognazzi give it their best and the result is brilliant. Dino Risi casts a tender and ruthless eye on his compatriots, and very often our prejudices are comforted. An excellent moment of cinema!