The Pizza Triangle

The Pizza Triangle, known in its native Italian as Dramma della gelosia - tutti i particolari in cronaca, is a riotous and sensual romantic comedy from Italy, directed by Ettore Scola and originally released in 1970. Transcending the time of its production, this cinematic gem uses humor, nervousness, dramatic elements, and the prolific charisma of its trio of stars to sketch a hilarious and sometimes poignant portrait of love’s confounding complexities, and highlight the absurdity of jealousy and envy.

Set against the beautifully atmospheric backdrop of Rome, the film opens with the introduction of simple construction worker, Oreste (Marcello Mastroianni). Orestes leads an ordinary life until he crosses paths with the vivacious and flirtatious Adelaide (Monica Vitti), a flower seller with a free spirit. The spontaneous pair rapidly develop a vigorous connection, and a romantic relationship is quickly kindled between them.

However, the love story runs into turbulent waters with the arrival of a third party, Nello (Giancarlo Giannini), Adelaide's quirky old friend and an anarchist by conviction. Nello, with his charm and persuasive ideology genuinely befriends Oreste, whilst simultaneously developing romantic feelings for Adelaide. Consequently, a love triangle inescapably forms, and Oreste, the simple-minded man, is suddenly trapped in the throes of love’s farcically tragic conundrums, with the women he adores and the friend he greatly admires.

The primary strength of The Pizza Triangle lies in the spontaneous and palpable chemistry between its three main stars, with Mastroianni, Vitti, and Giannini delivering spellbindingly passionate performances that bring their flawed characters to life. Mastroianni, the serious man who finds himself out of depth in a comical situation, is unforgettable in his role, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere with his charismatic depiction of naive and infatuated Oreste.

Meanwhile, Vitti is striking as the whimsically free-spirited and flirtatious florist trapped between men and their emotions. Her performance is deftly nuanced, demonstrating her ability to maneuver between comedy and drama with effortless dexterity and breathless panache. Equally engrossing in his role, Giannini’s portrayal of the carefree, maverick Nello adds depth and tension to the film's complex romantic dynamics.

Beyond the romantic love triangle antics, this classic Italian film provides biting commentary about the socio-political climate of Italy in the 60s and the longstanding obsession with love and jealousy that pervades human nature. Yet it does so with a light touch, employing a farcical humor that operates on but never descends into the ludicrous. It questions some deeply ingrained societal norms and puts the spotlight on social and political turmoil in a relatable and humorous fashion.

Director Ettore Scola’s narrative approach to constructing the story for The Pizza Triangle is a deft demonstration of cinematic storytelling at its finest. Although inherently comedic in structure, undertones of crisp bitterness, passion, and sorrow make their way into the plot, making for an theatrically engaging and emotional viewing experience. His incorporation of situational comedy, farcical situations, and complex character dynamics create an imbued sense of dramatic tension throughout the film.

Visually, Scola’s depiction of Rome pulsates with authentic energy, as the cityscape forms beautifully captured backdrops for the unfolding melodrama. Scola takes care to contrast the insular world of our trio with spotless cinematography that places them against vibrant Italian streets and picturesque Italian settings – a visual feast augmenting the narrative to create an immersive viewing experience.

Overall, The Pizza Triangle is a captivating chronicle of love and jealousy, showcasing a unique blend of satire, humor, and romance. This timeless piece of Italian cinema remains a classic movie must-watch. It is more than just a love story; it is a snapshot of Rome in a certain era, a study of Italian societal norms, and a showcase of some of the finest acting talents of European cinema. With top-notch performances, an engaging plot, and stunning visuals, it secures its place in the annals of stimulating cinematic experiences.