One-line Summary:
Divorce Italian Style (1961) by Pietro Germi
A man in Sicily, desperate to divorce his wife and marry his young cousin, hatches a plan to commit the perfect crime in order to achieve his goal.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Pietro Germi
- Writers: Ennio De Concini, Pietro Germi, Alfredo Giannetti
- Main Actors: Marcello Mastroianni as Ferdinando Cefalù, Daniela Rocca as Rosalia Cefalù, Stefania Sandrelli as Angela, Leopoldo Trieste as Carmelo Patanè
- Music Director: Carlo Rustichelli
- Director of Photography: Leonida Barboni
- Producers: Franco Cristaldi, Pietro Germi
Plot:
Ferdinando Cefalù, a bored and unhappily married Sicilian nobleman, falls in love with his beautiful young cousin, Angela. However, divorce is illegal in Italy at the time, and Ferdinando is determined to find a way out of his loveless marriage. He hatches a plan to murder his wife, Rosalia, and make it look like an honorable crime of passion, thus avoiding a lengthy prison sentence. Ferdinando enlists the help of his friend, Carmelo, who is an aspiring lawyer, to navigate the legal system and ensure he gets a lenient sentence.
As Ferdinando’s plan unfolds, he faces numerous obstacles, including his wife’s unexpected pregnancy and the suspicions of the local police. Meanwhile, Angela’s parents are pressuring her to marry a wealthy suitor, further complicating Ferdinando’s desperate situation. The film explores the absurdity of the Italian legal system, the hypocrisy of societal norms, and the lengths people will go to in order to pursue their desires.
Themes and Motifs:
Divorce Italian Style satirizes the rigid social conventions and moral hypocrisy of 1960s Italy. The film critiques the oppressive institution of marriage and the limited options available to individuals trapped in loveless unions. It also explores themes of desire, passion, and the lengths people will go to in order to pursue their own happiness. The use of dark humor and irony adds depth to the film’s critique of societal norms and the absurdity of the legal system.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, Divorce Italian Style was a critical and commercial success. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received nominations for Best Director and Best Actor. The film’s biting social commentary and satirical approach resonated with audiences and critics alike. Divorce Italian Style is considered a classic of Italian cinema and a landmark film in the commedia all’italiana genre. Its influence can be seen in subsequent works that explore similar themes of societal critique and dark humor.
Recommendation:
Divorce Italian Style is a clever and entertaining film that combines sharp social commentary with dark humor. Marcello Mastroianni delivers a brilliant performance as the scheming Ferdinando, and the film’s satirical take on marriage and societal norms still feels relevant today. Fans of Italian cinema and those interested in exploring the commedia all’italiana genre will find this film to be a must-watch.
Memorable Quote:
“I can’t go on living with a woman I don’t love. I’m suffocating! I’m suffocating!” – Ferdinando Cefalù
