L'affittacamere

L'affittacamere, an Italian comedy film directed by Mariano Laurenti, was released in 1976, starring three distinguished actors known for their comedic brilliance: Gloria Guida, Lino Banfi, and Enzo Cannavale. The film turned out to be a major commercial success and harvested vast appreciation from the audience for its compelling storyline mixed with a hilarious script filled with humor and misadventures.

The movie’s title, "L'affittacamere", translates as "The Landlady" in English, which gives a hint about its plot. The movie primarily revolves around Gloria Guida, who plays the vivacious and attractive lead 'Giorgia Mainardi.' Giorgia is a young woman who inherits a mansion from a distant relative. She makes her living by turning this inherited house into a boarding facility, setting the stage for a series of thoroughly entertaining circumstances.

The charming Guida displays her comic prowess with several funny interludes involving the tenants. Various personalities come to reside in her house, bringing with them their unique characteristics and quirks, resulting in a humorous amalgamation of mismatched roommates.

One of the main supporting leads, Lino Banfi, a well-celebrated comic actor in Italian cinema plays 'Giacinto Mazzatella.' Giacinto is a seemingly honest man with the demeanor of a typical family man, but he is leading a dual life, unbeknownst to his conservative wife. His continuous attempts to maintain the facade of his duality make for some side-splitting comic instances throughout the film.

Enzo Cannavale portrays the character 'Pasquale Lojacono,' another tenant who adds a lot of color to Giorgia's house with his Southern Italian background. His character portrays an interesting personality, a provincial man trying to adapt to new urban surroundings.

Besides these characters, there are others who enhance the comic element of the movie. These include a horny music teacher, a pretentious doctor, an eccentric scientist, an inept robber, and of course, the local law enforcement who adds another layer of confusion. All these characters, when brought together under one roof, cause a stirring blend of hilarity, tension, and undeniable comedy.

The charm and captivating screen presence of Gloria Guida make the film more vibrant. She carries her character with a youthful, yet responsible nature, and handles different situations and circumstances with her boldness and quick wit. Each character, performed stupendously by the actors, creates a hilarious and vivid universe of fun and laughter. The supporting casting does a commendable job in filling in the gaps and providing the comedic punch required in a comedy film.

Those with a keen ear for music would find the film's soundtrack delightful. The tunes range from light and catchy to thoughtfully melodic. The music, along with production design and cinematography, beautifully blends to create a vibrant 1970s Italian backdrop for the comedy to unfold. Occasionally slapstick in nature, the film maintains a light-hearted, easy-going tone throughout, encouraging the audience to lean back and appreciate the comedic undertones presented.

L'affittacamere showcases director Mariano Laurenti's art of masterminding and delivering an uproarious comedy in his unique style. The movie is a must-watch for its comedy, performances, and the cleverly scripted incidents that take place in Giorgia's boarding house.

In sum, L'affittacamere is a captivating comedy drama that marinades the routine life of an unusual landlady and her tenants. It's a wholesome joyride peppered with comedy, mild suspense, and light-hearted humor. It showcases how a simple setting of a boarding house can unravel a series of comical situations that are highly entertaining, making L'affittacamere a must-watch for fans of classic Italian comedy.