The Monster

The Monster (1994) or "Il Mostro" as known in Italian, is a delightful, eccentric and uproarious comedy by the acclaimed and multi-talented Roberto Benigni. Policital satire, wacky hijinks, and irreverent slapstick are the underpinnings of this film that successfully combines elements of drama, thriller, farce and romance into a memorable cinematic experience.

Roberto Benigni, who also co-wrote and directed the film, plays Loris, a hapless yet charming goofball residing in Rome who is struggling to keep up with the high cost of living. Benigni's brand of humour is on full display as he desperately tries different schemes to make ends meet, often landing himself in awkward, and hilariously desperate situations. Loris is a part-time waiter, landlord and petty thief with an innocent charisma that completely disarms you, even in moments of complete ludicrousness.

A string of grisly murders has the city on the edge, with the police force grappling to uncover the mysterious and elusive killer. The twist arrives when Loris, thanks to a mix-up of absurd proportions and some coincidental circumstantial evidence, is mistakenly identified as the prime suspect to these horrendous crimes. The police believe that they finally have their man, their 'monster.'

Assigned to confirm their suspicions is renowned French detective Paride Taccone, played by Michel Blanc. Taccone is a police profiler par excellence, known for his ability to delve into the psyche of the most devious criminals. He discreetly tails Loris, as he's fully convinced that this seemingly harmless man could be the serial killer they've been hunting.

Nicoletta Braschi, a frequent collaborator and real-life partner to Benigni, plays Jessica, a gorgeous and cunningly smart police officer. Jessica is assigned to get close to Loris as bait to ascertain his culpability in the crimes. She poses as a tenant needing a room, thrusting herself into Loris's chaotic life. The comedic tension builds as Loris, unaware of Jessica's real identity and his status as a suspect, finds himself attracted to her.

The unique dynamics that develop between this improbable trio transforms "The Monster" into an unconventional unrolling of thrilling detective work, mistaken identities, and budding romance. A trademark of Benigni's work, the movie takes situations that could be deemed grotesque or unsettling and overlays them with buffoonery, making the audience laugh in spite of themselves.

The comedy in "The Monster" is quintessential Benigni, characterized by physical gags, verbal absurdities and comedic timing. The film has a significant degree of physical comedy, with several outrageous pratfalls and hilarious stunts, all orchestrated and executed to perfection by Benigni. Yet it also contains plenty of clever dialogue full of farce and light-hearted mockery.

Simultaneously provocative and funny, "The Monster" also serves as a political satire, never hesitating to mock and critique the authorities, the media and society in general. There is deep socio-political commentary artfully hidden beneath the humor, where Benigni criticizes how society and justice systems criminalize the innocent because of mere assumptions and misunderstandings.

The film is splendidly shot in Rome, offering a captivating glimpse into the city’s bustling streets and architecture. The cinematography cleverly balances the grim implications of a serial killer at large with the light-hearted comedic proceeding, setting a unique tone for the movie.

Benigni, ever the showman, breathes life into Loris, making him one of the most endearing, if not entirely innocent characters he’s ever portrayed. His performance is punctuated with moments of real emotion, whether they be expressions of innocence misunderstood, of comic panic, or of romantic attraction. Braschi brings much-needed stability to the chaos, with her poised, conflicting role, and Blanc flawlessly pulls off the role of a puzzled yet determined detective.

"The Monster" at its core is a typical Roberto Benigni film. Inspired in large part by classic Italian comedies, it's a masterclass in unabashed humour, narrative accents, and the unique ability of satire to engage and provoke thoughts. The movie is a rollercoaster of laugh-out-loud moments, pulling the audience into a whirlwind of absurdity and wit that only a creative genius like Benigni could concoct. It stands as one of the best examples of Benigni's unmatchable comedic craft and theatrical prowess on the silver screen.