Sono pazzo di Iris Blond

This is a true comedy, graphically detailing the unravelling of a man's ordered existence as the result of romantic obsession. Directed, written and starring Carlo Verdone, the film offers satire, slapstick and pathos in equal amounts. Verdone's co-stars, Claudio Gerini and the veteran Andrea Ferreol, ensure that each scene is harvested of its potential. A bonus is an interesting melange of languages and dialects, served rather well by the subtitles.

I really enjoyed this film--especially since it was so very, very different. In fact, aside from one other film (Une Femme De Ménage), I can't say I've seen another film like it. Une Femme De Menage reminded me of this film because the leading actor in both films superficially look alike (both middle-aged balding ordinary-looking guys) and because both involve these men falling in love with women significantly younger AND different from themselves.

The film begins with Romeo going to see a fortune teller in one of the funniest scenes in the film. While the film is not really a comedy, there are several funny segments in this romantic slice of life film. The fortune teller tells him that he is destined to meet a woman named after a flower who is a singer and they will fall in love--after which, he will become rich and successful. Romeo truly believes her and latches on to the first lady who vaguely fits this description--a very annoying woman with a very, very limited singing range (it's the music of Jacques Brel or nothing). Pretty soon he realizes it's a mistake and stumbles upon a woman who seems more like the fortune teller's description. And, with a lot of coaching, Romeo is able to help this very flaky woman to make something of her life--partnering up with him to make a techno band that makes it big in the club scene.

While this is a very basic idea of the plot, it goes a lot further and deeper. What I especially appreciated was that the leads were far from perfect (they both were pretty screwy in fact--especially Iris) and the movie never becomes a cliché or predictable sort of Hollywood-type film. To me this is its biggest strength, though many who want everything to work out perfectly and magically will probably find the film ultimately depressing. But because it seemed much more real than the typical film and because of the odd quirkiness of the film, I strongly recommend you see it with someone you love.

By the way, parents this is a pretty sexy movie and there is a lot of adult dialog, promiscuity and a super-brief nude scene (though you don't see a lot). It's a film I would think twice about allowing the kids to watch.

Although the film was more risque than I had expected it to be, the leads are quite good; many funny moments. I particularly enjoyed the expressions of the actors--the Belgian, Italian, French manners were quite interesting to see from an American point of view. I recommend this film, although not for the kiddies...