Larmes de joie

A friend had a wonderful idea. After the depressing presence of the Italian entries at this 2007 Venice Film Festival, he suggested to get together around a table with good food and wine a watch a movie, an Italian movie and not one of the usual masterpieces that we all talk about all the time. He chose Mario Monicelli's "Risate Di Gioa" with Anna Magnani, Totò and Ben Gazzara. Oh my God! All of a sudden it became one of my favorite films of all time. It all takes place during a New Year's eve in Rome and I'm at a loss for words trying to explain the brilliance of this dark "minor" Italian comedy. A blonde Anna Magnani plays a film extra at the Cinecitta studios and Totò a petty thief in white tie and tails. Funny, moving, extraordinary in some many ways. Why have we moved so far away from this? Can somebody explain it?

I saw this film 40 years ago as "The Passionate Thief" and it still makes me laugh when I think about it, which is often. Anna Magnani's appallingly delusional "blonde" actress is unforgettable as she, with her old standby Toto, blunder their way through this pathetic misadventure worthy of a New Year's Eve. Ben Gazzara's con man/thief is juicy and sexy enough to make any woman his accomplice, willing or accidental, and the tragic-comic tension between Ms. Magnani and the thief is pure comedy. This film really belongs in the category of Billy Wilder films and why it is not better known is beyond me. Given a choice, I would be hard pressed to decide whether The Passionate Thief or Die Fledermaus is my favorite New Year's party. I cannot recommend this film enough, especially to fans of Bunuel and Wilder.

This film is probably the best showcase of the comedic capacities of acting genius Anna Magnani. Here she's paired up with Italian actor Toto', who's considered the most representative Italian comedian of all times. The chemistry between the two is the source of a splendid chain of events that allow the two actors to explore a multitude of highs and lows...almost like in a carnival. Monicelli's intricate story line is a rarity in the world of comedies. Intelligent, entertaining and hilarious, the film contains the only example (on camera) of what Anna Magnani and Toto' would do in Rome during the 1930's: "Avanspettacolo". The two sing on a small stage at one of Rome's fashionable parties: all done with immense presence and class; the result is a magnificent theatrical moment between improvisation and highly refined performing skills. Definitely a must for those who love quality comedies.

I just had the extreme pleasure of seeing this classic comedy at a special retrospective at the National Gallery of Art. Anna Magnani almost steals the movie from our man Toto. Ben Gazzara is wonderful as a small-time crook who is stuck with Toto as his accomplice as they plan to steal small items during the New Year's festivities in town. However, our heroine constantly seems to be messing up the best laid plans of our two criminal friends.

This film uses the time-honored technique of having the audience identify with some real sympathy with our characters but we must laugh as everything goes wrong with everyone's plans for both the New Year's eve celebration, the robbery plans and life in general.

I do not know if this film is on video or if any of the classic films with Toto are on video. However, anyone who values great comedic filmmaking should make the effort to see this film. It simply does not get better than this.

The pleasures of this tragicomedy are constant and long lasting. Anna Magnani, after her Oscar, back at home with her old pal Toto. They even do a bit of one of their old music-hall routines. Mario Monicelli's sensational style makes the film as funny, sad today as it was then. Remember, Monicelli is the man behind that other Italian gem "Big Deal At Madonna Street" There is mix of Billy Wilder and Martin Scorsese and if you saw the film you know what I mean. Funny, bitter, funny. Anna Magnani plays a movie extra, with delusions of Kim Novak. Not to be missed!