Bianco, rosso e Verdone

Bianco, rosso e Verdone is an iconic comedy film from Italy, originally released in 1981. This movie is highlighted by the extraordinary performance of multi-talented Carlo Verdone, who not only stars in the movie but also contributes as co-writer and director. The film features a unique narrative style that intertwines three separate plots, allowing audiences to engage with a diverse array of characters and situations. Other noteworthy performances include the charismatic turns by Elena Fabrizi and Irina Sanpiter.

Set in the backdrop of a general election in Italy, the stories in Bianco, rosso e Verdone weave together the tales of three Italian men, each representing different social backgrounds, mental challenges, and authentic Italian locales. The film draws upon the colors of the Italian tricolour flag as a motif to differentiate the story of each protagonist, offering a snapshot of Italy and its cultural diversity during the early 1980s.

Carlo Verdone portrays all three main characters: Furio, Mimmo, and Pasquale. Each character's story is led by its idiosyncratic and comical characteristics, yet all are bound by a common thread - they are each on a quest to cast crucial votes before the closing of electoral polls. This environment serves as the backdrop to their individual journeys, resulting in a myriad of humorous and somewhat dramatic scenarios.

With Furio, Verdone takes on the role of a fumbling, overly cautious man from the North of Italy. On his chaotic journey to vote, he grapples with the eccentric mannerisms of his in-laws and the unpredictable antics of Magda, his wife, a role wonderfully played by Irina Sanpiter. The matrimonial scene played out on the road gives audiences an amusing insight into issues of adjustment and acceptance that couples often face in their early married life.

Through Mimmo, Verdone portrays the life of a pampered, immature man-child from Rome who is forced to break away from the coddling attention of his grandmother, played by Elena Fabrizi, to fulfill his duty as a voter. The narrative lays its humor on Mimmo's desperate attempts to cling to his sheltered existence during his journey. Fabrizi, as Grandmother Sora Cecilia, boasts of a key performance in the film with her profuse Italian dialect lending an extra charm to her role.

Lastly, as Pasquale, Verdone empathetically mirrors the life of a naive, introverted man from the Southern regions of Italy. Besotted with the green-eyed beauty Gabriella (Milena Vukotic), Pasquale's story is laden with the essence of "Italian romantic comedy", dim-witted yet heartfelt.

Bianco, rosso e Verdone gifts its audiences with a dynamic portrayal of Italy in a nutshell. The brilliance of the movie lies in its ageless humor. Despite being set in the 1980s, it maintains its freshness even today, thanks largely to its relatable scenarios, witty dialogues, and well-rounded characters. The film was decorated with multiple awards, notably at the David di Donatello Awards, and its soundtrack, written by Ennio Morricone, who was deemed a maestro of Italian cinema, is one of its standout elements.

Bianco, rosso e Verdone is a testament to Carlo Verdone's mastery over comedy and his ability to instill life into characters drawn from everyday Italian people. Verdone’s outlandish yet sympathetically drawn characters provide thoughtful commentaries about Italian society of the era. Together with his brilliant ensemble of actors, Verdone weaves a narrative tapestry rich in humor, pathos, satire, and undeniable humanity.

The movie remains timeless in its appeal, resonating with audiences even after four decades of its release. Whether you're drawn to comedies, character studies, or films that offer a social commentary, Bianco, rosso e Verdone entertains and enlightens in equal measure. It offers a delightful viewing experience, making it a must-watch for lovers of Italian cinema.