Massimo Troisi is known abroad mostly for "Il Postino" and in Italy is remembered especially for his first comedy films but also the ones who appreciate him have never seen this movie and that's a shame 'cause here we see one of the best Troisi's performances where we can enjoy his talent as a dramatic actor not "just a comedian" (expression used by some, but we cinephiles know that real comedians are the best actors ever, just to name another Neapolitan like Troisi: Totò). For the third time Massimo doesn't work as a writer or director as in all his previous films - the first was in "Hotel Colonial" by Cinzia Th. Torrini then "Splendor" always by Ettore Scola (there will be another last one from this "trilogy" Scola-Troisi, "Captain Fracassa's Journey"). Then there is Marcello Mastroianni, just one of the greatest Italian actors of all time. This film an intimist trip of something never too much analyzed in the world of the seventh art: the father-son relationship. Here, as in the real world, upside down sometimes, quarrels and conflicts of two generations, everyone can identify itself in the two figures, one or the other during the viewing. Marcello and Massimo seem so natural like a real father and son. They received together "Volpi Cup for Best Actor" and Troisi also a "Pasinetti Award for Best Actor" at Venice Film Festival. No need for other actors, just a few, the right frame of this wonderful portrait.
Grazie Ettore Scola.
