Anyone Can Play

Anyone Can Play is a 1967 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Luigi Zampa featuring an ensemble cast of eminent actresses of the time including Ursula Andress, Virna Lisi and Claudine Auger.

The film serves as a montage of interconnected stories set in the alluring city of Rome, showcasing the varying facets of human behavior and societal norms. Spectacularly shot, Anyone Can Play weaves together the intertwined lives of several women, highlighting their romances, dreams, temptations and disappointments.

What makes this film truly engrossing is the involvement of the three main protagonists. Ursula Andress, known for her screen persona and iconic status in the Bond series, confidently takes up her role in the movie as Miss Scotland Yard. Different yet equally captivating is Virna Lisi's character, a decisive woman who knows where her priorities lie. Claudine Auger’s portrayal is indeed a delicate and sensitive one, showcasing her transformation with the turn of events. The interplay between these three main characters is what guides the narrative pace of the film, delivering a cocktail of romance, self-discovery, and city life.

However, the narrative does not solely focus on these three women. The film features strong performances from other supporting characters adding depth and vibrance to the intertwined storylines. The lives of these characters are beautifully portrayed, brought together by the common themes of love, loss, exploration and the desire for freedom.

The title, Anyone Can Play, is symbolic, as it encapsulates the encounters and experiences of various people which takes place in the cinematic landscape. The film explores the interplay of chance, opportunities, and human instinct against the backdrop of the buoyant city of Rome. The storyline seamlessly captures how each character contributes to the making of this rich tapestry of life.

Zampa’s skillful direction compliments the masterful script, bringing out an engaging narrative filled with laughter, joy, tears, and the uniqueness of the human spirit. Breath-taking cinematography and outstanding soundtracks further add to the film's appeal. The landscape of Rome is the perfect setting creating an enriched cinematic experience.

The city serves as a playground for the characters where they navigate through their love lives, emotional struggles, and societal pressures. The film builds up the atmosphere of the '60s, painting a vivid picture of an epoch in Rome right before the dawn of liberalism with its changing norms, riveting cultures, and complex human relationships. The portrayal of these characters in the panoramic view of a grand and fast city offers a significant contrast to their individual lives, giving the audience an immersive perspective of their stories.

The overarching theme of the film is the universality of the human experience. Despite the historical setting and the particular societal context present, the trials and tribulations the characters face are those that are equally relevant today. It casts an observant and sometimes humorous eye on the female condition in the 1960s, a time when women's roles and expectations were dramatically changing.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a roller-coaster ride, experiencing a multitude of emotions. The film is not just another comedy-drama; it is a journey through life with all its ups and downs. The characters of the film, with their distinct personalities and situations, serve as mirrors of life, as each one symbolizes a path we may have crossed or a choice we might have taken.

All in all, Anyone Can Play is the kind of movie with a charm that stays long after the credits have rolled. It is a richly woven tapestry of love, betrayal, laughter, and some very real emotions. The performances are top notch, the direction is precise, and it's filled with small, beautiful moments that reveal the grandeur of life. A must-watch for lovers of classic world cinema with its heady mix of romance, drama, and comedy. This film’s peek into the lives of its rich, multi-faceted characters is one engaging watch, indeed.