Four Times that Night

Four Times that Night, released in 1971, features a beautiful assembly of talents with captivating performances by Daniela Giordano, Brett Halsey, and Dick Randall. This pivotal film from the early 1970s is a comedic erotic take on Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon, showcasing the themes of the subjective nature of truth and the unreliable narration of events.

Under the magnificent direction of Mario Bava, this film is an Italian and West German co-production. The movie narrates the same sexual encounter from four different perspectives, portraying how individuals perceive events subjectively. Analyses of the same circumstance from multiple viewpoints allow the film to take on a lighthearted tone, which contrasts with the sobriety of the original work it's inspired from.

Daniela Giordano shines as the free-spirited yet naive fashion model Tina in this sexy comedy film. She is a young woman whose vivacious nature eloquently contrasts with the stiffness of her overprotective mother. Brett Halsey, on the other hand, plays the charming playboy John in the movie that boasts nuanced storytelling layered with hidden truths.

The film opens with their casual meeting at a park, where John manages to convince Tina for a dinner date at his place. What follows is a wild night that everyone seems to remember differently. The viewer is then gradually exposed to their respective versions of events, and finally that of their nosy doorman and a passerby played by Dick Randall.

Four Times that Night is neither a conventional romantic comedy nor a typical erotic film. It takes elements from both genres and presents a story that explores the fluidity of truth and perspective. The dramatic reconstruction of the night's events and the added humor give the audience an engaging viewing experience.

The film's cinematography skillfully oscillates between the objective and subjective realms, beautifully embodying the themes Mario Bava intends to depict. Not only is each character's recollection of the event contradicting to the others, but the eventual truth about the night of passion also appears fuzzy.

Thematically, the film dissects societal norms around the sexual revolution and free love, unraveling complexities behind the perceptions of an innocent dinner date turning into an eventful night. The storytelling transgresses individual biases around gender, social status, and even personality types.

Despite its overtly sensual and comedic tones, Four Times That Night subtly manages to poke at the unreliable nature of human memory and judgment. It is intriguing to watch the morphed retelling of the same event by each character, injecting suspense and a dash of mystery into the narrative.

One of the standout features of the film is the comedic performance of Dick Randall and the subtle humor that sprinkles across the narrative. One might argue that the film is much more layered and complex than it might initially seem – it cleverly blurs the lines between pleasure, guilt, society's judgment, and the skewed perception of truth.

Above all, Four Times that Night is a memorable showcase of directorial talent and storytelling craft. The movie offers a fresh perspective on lust and love, handled in a manner that is thought-provoking yet entertaining. It’s aesthetically pleasing with its stylish production design and engaging performances of the cast. Packed with humor and sexual innuendos, it unapologetically embraces its eccentricities, resulting in a film that resonates and stands out within its genre.

In conclusion, Four Times that Night is a witty psychosexual comedy that invites its audience to decide what really happened on that hot-blooded night. The film is executed with a conviction, boldness, and a necessary playfulness that keeps viewers engaged. It continues to be held in high esteem as a part of Mario Bava's rich filmography that reflects his skill in traversing different genres. It's a treat for anyone who enjoys cheeky humor fused with notions around love, lust, and the human understanding of the truth.