Les Monstres

Directed by Dino Risi, I mostri is a collection of 20 satirized episodes connected by questionable characters. A social satire that postulates the idea of people as possible monsters in their own way, because we are all a little flawed. It leans on irony and dark comedy to explore the strengths and weaknesses of human beings. This dichotomy, which usually translates into hypocrisy, corruption, infidelity, etc., is presented in a tragicomic fashion throughout the 20 episodes. This kind of humor is not very distant from the one of today, and 61 years after its release, it's still funny as ever. The pacing can be uneven sometimes due to the difference in quality of the episodes, and with 121 minutes, it can also feel overlong, but nonetheless, most of the shorts are fun and entertaining.

I mostri offers Vittorio Gassman and Ugo Tognazzi the opportunity to showcase their talent and versatility. For instance, Gassman goes from playing a retired boxer, an attorney, a casanova, a woman, etc., while Tognazzi a father, a congressman, a husband, etc. They achieve humor from beginning to end and make it seem effortless.

The best episodes, in my opinion, are: "L'educazione sentimentale" in which a father tries to teach his son life lessons, "Come un padre" where a man tells a friend he suspects his wife cheats on him, "Testimone volontario" follows Tognazzi giving testimony in a trial, "Il sacrificato" Gassman is having a conversation with a lover in his car, "Scenda l'oblio" a couple is seeing a movie in the theater, "La strada e' di tutti" a pedestrian and his exchange with drivers, "L'oppio dei popoli" a married woman invites her lover to her house, "Il testamento di Francesco" a priest prepares for his TV show, "La nobile arte" follows a retired boxer.

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.

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.

I MOSTRI is a masterly comment on the rot, dignity, suffering, forbidden pleasures, good and evil at the heart of society. It happens to be Italian society under the microscope, but it would easily apply to most societies. Some of its sketches are very thought-provoking, presenting different characters in different stations in life, but always with a cynical incisiveness and a sense of humor that keep the film firmly anchored to ground reality.

From a cinematic standpoint, I MOSTRI is blessed in various ways. Director Dino Risi, actors Gassman and Tognazzi, and writers Incrocci and Scarpelli are all in top form.

Black and white photography serves the film's biting commentary on society well, and Alfio Contini does a great job of filming, regardless of whether he is closing up on the actors' faces, shooting boxing bouts, or doing interiors or exteriors.

I MOSTRI goes on for two hours, which, in my long film lover's life, tends to be excessive, but in this case it held my attention throughout, even conceding that it could have done without a couple of the sketches, which are immediately forgettable.

"I due orfanelli", "Il Sacrificato," "La Nobile Arte," "Il Povere Soldato," "Vernissage" are all outstanding segments, with Gassman and Tognazzi unafraid to play despicable characters, and switch to noble ones. It is a pity that acting of this quality should go unrewarded, when one sees so much rubbish from much more famous and far better paid actors in other parts of the world.

Director Risi, just off his masterpiece, IL SORPASSO, the previous year (1962) is in the greatest form of his career. A well deserved 9/10.