Cornetti alla crema

Cornetti alla crema is a quintessential Italian comedy film released in 1981, directed by Sergio Martino. Known for its lighthearted and often slapstick tone, the film is situated within the genre of commedia sexy all'italiana, popular during the 1970s and early 1980s, which combined comedy with more risqué and adult themes. Starring Edwige Fenech, Lino Banfi, and Gianni Cavina, the film showcases a blend of humor and charm, with an ensemble cast that brings the quirky narrative to life.

The film’s narrative revolves around the intertwined lives and loves of a handful of characters, with crisscrossing storylines that emphasize comedic misunderstanding, mistaken identities, and the lighter side of romantic escapades. Edwige Fenech, an icon of the genre and a renowned actress, plays the role of a sophisticated woman who becomes the focal point of attraction and desire for several male characters. Her performance exudes the warmth and charisma for which she became famous, as she navigates the complex web of relationships and confusions that defines the plot.

Lino Banfi, another stalwart of Italian comedy, portrays a bumbling yet lovable character. He is embroiled in a series of humorous predicaments that typically involve his unsuccessful attempts at romance or his efforts to resolve bizarre situations that he finds himself in, often due to his own doing. His character’s escapades are at the heart of the film's comedy and provide a foundation for many of its laughs.

Gianni Cavina, completing the primary trio of stars, provides a contrasting personality to Banfi's character. His performance as a slightly shrewder, more cunning figure adds an interesting dynamic to the ensemble. His involvement in the storyline often leads to a variety of comic scenarios, where his wit and attempts to outsmart others inevitably culminate in humorous consequences.

The main storyline is centered around the eponymous "cornetti alla crema," a reference to the Italian version of the French croissant usually filled with cream. This pastry becomes a motif recurring throughout the movie, symbolizing both the characters' desires and the comedic entanglements that those desires provoke. As the characters' lives become inextricably linked through a series of events, each is chasing their own version of happiness and fulfillment—often finding themselves knee-deep in comical misunderstandings along the way.

As with many films of this genre, the narrative takes place in familiar domestic and urban settings—cafes, streets, apartments—which lend an air of relatability to the outlandish plot. Within these everyday environments, the characters’ misadventures are given full comic expression, with the nuances of Italian culture, manners, and social expectations adding layers of humor.

The film’s aesthetic reflects the era it was made, with costuming, set design, and music all contributing to the nostalgic charm of the early 1980s. It serves as a time capsule, capturing not only the fashion and architectural styles of the time but also the more relaxed mores and social attitudes that were prevalent in Italian society, particularly pertaining to relationships and sexuality.

Cornetti alla crema, while being comedic at heart, also delves into the absurdities and complexities of the human condition. It examines, through a light and entertaining lens, how individuals yearn for connection and how they often complicate their paths toward it through farce and folly. The humor is broad and physical, and the portrayal of relationships is intentionally exaggerated, playing on the stereotypes and character archetypes that audiences expect from this genre.

Director Sergio Martino, known for his work in Italian cinema across various genres, demonstrates his versatility and adept handling of comedy in this film. He balances the multiple storylines and manages to keep the pace brisk, ensuring that the audience is continually engaged and entertained. Despite the multiple twists and turns, Martino succeeds in weaving the various plot threads together into a coherent narrative.

The script, sprinkled with witty dialogue and comic set-pieces, provides the actors with ample opportunities to showcase their timing and comedic talents. It uses humor not only for entertainment but also as a social commentary, subtly critiquing the vices and virtues of the characters with a knowing wink to the audience.

Overall, Cornetti alla crema is a staple within the commedia sexy all'italiana genre, offering the engaging performances by its charismatic leads and a comedic tempo that keeps viewers invested in the fates of its charmingly flawed characters. It remains a beloved piece in the filmographies of Fenech, Banfi, and Cavina and is embraced by fans of Italian cinema for its playful humor and nostalgic portrayal of an era.