L'armée Brancaleone

Thanks to the french-speaking TV networks of my country (Canada), I litterally grew up with commedia all'italiana - Italy's crazy explosion of satirical comedies (1955-1980). Soon the "quartet of monsters" - Gassman, Manfredi, Sordi, Tognazzi - became my favourite comic stars. But when it comes to L'Armata Brancaleone, it is only two years ago that I finally found this movie, after a decade and a half of frentic research. The old Italian guy who sold me the (used) videocassette for 50 $ thinks he outsmarted me. No he did not! Even for a 1000 $, it would still be a bargain! For L'Armata Brancaleone is no less than a miracle of comic invention. The visceral power of this farce defies any superlatives I could find. Vittorio Gassman's performance as Brancaleone can only be compared to the greatest comics of the century. For their work on this film, scripters Age & Scarpelli, director Mario Monicelli and the whole team down to the most humble go-fer would deserve an enormous trophy.

In the Middle Ages, a group of marauders pillage a scroll from the fearful and dangerous Arnolfo Mano-di-Ferro (Alfio Caltabiano) that grants to its owner the property of Aurocastro, a wealthy land with grapevines and cattle. They seek out a knight to claim the real estate and share with them. When they meet the ruined Brancaleone da Norcia (Vittorio Gassman), he accepts to be their leader and they travel to the land. Along their journey, Brancaleone defeats the nobleman Teofilatto dei Leonzi (Gian Maria Volonté) that joins his army. Then they head to the Holy Land with the preacher Zenone (Enrico Maria Salerno), but while crossing a bridge, their friend Pecoro (Folco Lulli) falls off in the river and vanishes. When Zenone falls in a abyss, they travel to Aurocastro again. Then they rescue the damsel Matelda (Catherine Spaak) and Brancaleone promises to her tutor to protect her virtue for her fiancé and receives one hundred golden coins. However, Teofilatto has one night stand with the maid and Brancaleone is imprisoned in the castle of her fiancé. Brancaleone and his clumsy army get in many troubles until they reach Aurocastro. But their adventure has not finished yet.

"L'Armata Brancaleone" is one of the funniest comedies of the cinema. The last time I had seen this film was on 27 February 2000, and with the death of Mario Monicelli yesterday, I have decided to see the clumsy Brancaleone and his army again. The story is very well developed with hilarious situations and Vittorio Gassman has a magnificent performance in the role of the the anti-hero Brancaleone. The screenplay presents the most different situations in the environment of the Middle-Ages and the hero always gets in trouble despite his perfect planning. I did not recognize Gian Maria Volonté in the role of Teofilatto dei Leonzi. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "O Incrível Exército de Brancaleone" ("The Incredible Army of Brancaleone")

It is difficult to export this movie outside Italy, in particular because much of the amusement lies in the funny language used, a mix of italian dialects and mock middle-age latin. Anyway, it would be yet a good choice for everyone. It may remember Monthy python's 'Holy Grail', as a surrealistic medieval comedy. Only, this is way better. It is no surprise, considering that we have two great authors, a great director, and a group a great actors. And the word 'great' is no exaggeration! If you ever get a chance to see it, don't miss it, because it's unique.

"L'Armata Brancaleone" is an absolute comedy masterpiece. Its surreal medieval world is incredibly deep and funny. The story is summarized here at IMDB, so it's not necessary to repeat it. The main comic device is based on the contrast between the heroic world that the charachters try to master (paladins, knights' tournaments, kings etc) and their actual miserable conditions. The only problem with this movie for non-italian speakers is the language: the authors re-created a mock medieval language (using ancient italian, latin and italian dialects) which is absolutely flamboyant. This particular language (very difficult to understand if you're not italian native speaker) and Vittorio Gassman make this movie one of the best comedies of the 20th century. Thanks to Mario Monicelli, the great film director.

This rare film is now available on a Brazilian DVD, which the earlier comments here convinced me was worth getting. I've just watched it, and it is a joy! The earlier commentators are right on the mark in their comparisons to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," in that it is an episodic, stylishly-realized, broad medieval comedy concerning a motley group of protagonists on a quest. Unlike the Monty Python film, however, this one never deviates from the story line and the actors never break character. It is also not quite as fully anarchic as the Python film. There is, in fact, a very touching death scene near the end of the film. Superbly paced, it seemed to me that there were no weak spots or comedic lulls. The poorly-translated English subtitles on my DVD were often very funny in their own right (unintentionally, I'm sure). But even though I don't understand Italian and missed some of the linguistic humor mentioned here, I still got a great deal of enjoyment out of it. The look of the film is fascinating, particularly some scenes in which the costuming, makeup, and set design evoke Fellini at his weirdest. Also, the use of the spectacular Italian countryside and old villages is outstanding. It's a privilege to have discovered this rare film, and I am thankful to the earlier commentators for helping bring it to my attention. That's one of the great advantages of visiting the IMDb.