The Face With Two Left Feet

The movie The Face With Two Left Feet, released in 1979, is a distinctive Italian comedy captivating audiences with its hilarious narrative infused with elements of romance and social commentary. This amusing and entertaining visual endeavor is directed by Neri Parenti and features exuberant performances by Giuseppe Spezia, Angelo Infanti, and Gloria Piedimonte, who all come together to bring to life a vividly light-hearted and engaging cinematic experience.

The film focuses on the journey of a rather ordinary protagonist named Alvaro (Giuseppe Spezia). Alvaro is a shy dishwasher with a passion for dancing but plagued by an unfortunate predicament - he has two left feet, in a metaphorical sense. The innuendo reflects his clumsy and ungraceful moves which are nothing but a source of embarrassment and ridicule for him. Unable to blend in with people feeling at ease on the dance floor and showcasing their rhapsodic performances, Alvaro is just a wallflower at parties and clubs craving to live his passion freely without the fear of judgement or mockery.

The plot thickens and comedic events ensue when Alvaro realizes his uncanny resemblance to the world-famous John Travolta, the heartthrob sensation and dancefloor dynamo. This sparks an idea in him: to use this resemblance to bolster his social image and to finally overcome his inhibitions of stepping onto the dance floor.

Guided by his cheeky friend Stainer (Angelo Infanti), Alvaro embarks on an intensive journey to learn to dance like Travolta, hoping to enchant the world with his imaginary charm and grace. Emulating the iconic dance moves of Saturday Night Fever, Alvaro transforms from being the one everyone pities to the one everyone envies. The film navigates through the realm of social identities and perceptions, highlighting the power of appearances and beliefs.

However, Alvaro’s heart secretly yearns for the beautiful and charismatic Angela (Gloria Piedimonte), a woman who is far out of his league. But Alvaro, propelled by his newfound confidence, decides to pursue his hopeless romantic pursuit. This pursuit, filled with innocent clumsiness and charming awkwardness, adds to the comedic value of the film, making it a delightful watch.

The Face With Two Left Feet is a narrative that strives to underline the importance of being true to one's own self while depicting the frailty and superficiality of social popularity. It begs the question - is it worth pretending to be someone you're not to fit into societal norms?

The performances by the lead actors are notably commendable. Giuseppe Spezia, as Alvaro, perfectly encapsulates the awkward but hopeful protagonist, with moments of comic brilliance that are sure to incite laughter from the audience. Angelo Infanti’s portrayal of the quick-witted and cunning Stainer adds a touch of hilarity and light-heartedness to the narrative. Gloria Piedimonte shines as the love interest, her performance adding charm and romance to the film.

The movie is filled with evocative seventies music that does not only serve as the backdrop for Alvaro's transformation but also takes the audience on a roller-coaster of nostalgia. The cinematography, while maintaining the integrity of the era, is well-executed and helps infuse the film with visual appeal that complements the storyline.

To conclude, The Face With Two Left Feet offers a charming blend of comedy, drama, and romance that serves as an entertaining cinematic experience. With compelling performances, a gripping narrative, and catchy music, the film is a beautiful portrayal of overcoming personal barriers, hope, and the courage to be yourself. The movie's groovy dance moves, unforgettable moments of humor and touching humanity shine throughout, making it a timeless piece of Italian cinema.