Febbre da cavallo

Febbre da cavallo is an iconic Italian comedy that was released in 1976 and became a cultural phenomenon in Italy. The movie is directed by highly acclaimed Italian filmmaker, Steno, whose real name is Stefano Vanzina. The film showcases an excellent trifecta of main actors: Gigi Proietti, Enrico Montesano, and Catherine Spaak, who give vibrant performances in this hilarious masterpiece. The satirical comedy of everyday life in the city of Rome, as portrayed in this movie, has struck a chord with the Italian audiences and has secured a permanent spot in Italian pop culture.

The term "Febbre da cavallo," which can be translated as “horse fever” in English, doesn’t refer to any ailment but rather to an uncontrolled obsession for horse betting. The main focus of the movie revolves around this theme of horse racing betting, offering a vibrant portrayal of the '70s Rome, with its unique characters, lively language, and distinctive spirit.

Gigi Proietti, a legendary figure of Italian cinema and theatre, stars as Bruno Fioretti, known as “Mandrake.” Mandrake is a charming but unsuccessful gambler, who spends most of his time at horse racing tracks, perpetually seeking that elusive big win. He is a classic Italian bon vivant with a smooth way of talking that can convince even the most doubtful of listeners. Mandrake's passion for betting on horses is not driven by the prospect of enormous wealth, but more by the thrill and excitement of the game, as well as the fascinating society of people that inhabit the world of horse racing.

Enrico Montesano also gives an unforgettable performance as Armando “Er Pomata,” Mandrake's best friend and partner-in-crime, who also nurtures an intense love for horse racing. He perfectly complements Proietti’s character with his comedic timing and hilarious antics.

Amidst their gambling adventures, there is Catherine Spaak, who plays Gabriella, Mandrake’s long-suffering girlfriend. Desperate to make a more conventional life with Bruno, her character provides a contrasting vision to Mandrake’s reckless love for the races. Gabriella's character is designed to be an island of sanity and normalcy amidst the chaotic gambling world of Mandrake and Armando.

A constant theme running through the movie is the fluctuating fortunes of our two protagonists, Mandrake and Armando. Life is always a gamble for them, and they win some and lose some. But it’s their optimist outlook towards life that attracts the viewers. This slice of life portrayal from Rome provides a humorous commentary on the hardships and uncertainties of life through the idiosyncratic characters, quirky dialogues, and relatable situations.

Febbre da cavallo is shot in various iconic Roman locations, presented in a raw, unfiltered fashion that is reminiscent of '70s Italian cinema. This panoramic view of Rome also brings to the forefront the rich cultural heritage of the city, further endearing the audience to the narrative.

The distinct Roman dialect spoken by Mandrake, along with the unique words and phrases related to betting used throughout the movie, is still recalled and used today by many Italians. This comedic linguistic aspect adds a whole new layer to the movie, making Febbre da cavallo an even more memorable and recognizable film in Italian pop culture.

This film is widely regarded for its timeless humor and well-crafted dialogues that complement the spontaneity of the charismatic cast. It has garnered a strong fan base, a testament of which is the sequel to the film which was released in 2002 after 26 years of original release, which despite the gap, was very well received by the audience.

In a nutshell, Febbre da cavallo is a movie that provides a hilarious yet thoughtful insight into the world of horse race betting, characterized by iconic performances, timeless humor, and a real-feel representation of Roman culture. It seamlessly blends comedy and drama to feature touching moments of human camaraderie. It's a must-watch for any lover of Italian cinema, or anyone interested in a cultural narrate of 1970s Rome.