Summary of “Marriage Italian Style” by Vittorio De Sica
One-line Summary:
A poignant and bittersweet tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, “Marriage Italian Style” explores the complex relationship between a wealthy businessman and his long-time mistress in post-war Italy.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Vittorio De Sica
- Writers: Eduardo De Filippo (play), Renato Castellani, Tonino Guerra, Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi
- Key Actors: Sophia Loren as Filumena Marturano, Marcello Mastroianni as Domenico Soriano, Aldo Puglisi as Riccardo, Tecla Scarano as Rosalia Cefalù
- Music Director: Armando Trovajoli
- Director of Photography: Roberto Gerardi
- Producers: Carlo Ponti, Joseph E. Levine
Plot:
“Marriage Italian Style” follows the tumultuous relationship between Filumena Marturano (Sophia Loren), a former prostitute, and Domenico Soriano (Marcello Mastroianni), a wealthy businessman. The story begins in Naples during World War II, where Domenico meets Filumena and takes her as his mistress. Over the years, Filumena becomes an indispensable part of Domenico’s life, managing his business and raising his three children.
When Domenico decides to marry a younger woman, Filumena, desperate to secure her future, pretends to be on her deathbed. Domenico, moved by her apparent suffering, agrees to marry her before she dies. However, Filumena miraculously recovers, revealing her ruse. As the years pass, Filumena’s true intentions become clear: she wants to ensure her children’s future and secure her place in Domenico’s life.
The film delves into the complex dynamics between Filumena and Domenico, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Filumena’s cunning and determination to protect her family clash with Domenico’s selfishness and inability to commit fully to a relationship. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, revealing the depth of their connection and the sacrifices Filumena has made for Domenico.
Themes and Motifs:
“Marriage Italian Style” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the power dynamics between men and women, highlighting the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The film also examines the blurred lines between love and possession, as Domenico oscillates between treating Filumena as a mistress and a wife.
The motif of deception is prevalent throughout the film, as Filumena resorts to trickery to achieve her goals. However, it also raises questions about the nature of truth and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The film ultimately suggests that true love transcends societal norms and expectations.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release in 1964, “Marriage Italian Style” received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Sophia Loren’s portrayal of Filumena. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
“Marriage Italian Style” remains a classic of Italian cinema, showcasing the talents of director Vittorio De Sica and the chemistry between Loren and Mastroianni. It continues to be celebrated for its exploration of complex relationships and its depiction of post-war Italy.
Recommendation:
“Marriage Italian Style” is a must-watch for fans of classic Italian cinema and those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships. The film’s stellar performances, compelling storyline, and exploration of themes make it a timeless masterpiece.
Memorable Quote:
“Love is a strange thing. It can make the most reasonable person lose their head.” – Filumena Marturano
