The Statue

The Statue is a 1971 comedy film directed by Rodney Amateau and written by renowned playwright Alec Coppel. The film boasts of an impressive cast with celebrated actors like David Niven, Virna Lisi, and Robert Vaughn leading the charge. No doubt, The Statue showcases offbeat humor and a slightly bold theme for its time, which makes it an interesting addition to the canon of classic comedies.

The story orbits around Alex Bolt, played by the dashing David Niven, an internationally acclaimed linguist creating a universal language, 'Unispeak,' reputed to change the dialogues between different nations. He receives the coveted Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work. However, instead of being an all-out celebration, Bolt is met by an unconventional dilemma. To commemorate his achievement, a statue is erected in his honor in the square of his hometown. The problem? The statue is not of him, but of his Italian wife Rhonda Bolt (Virna Lisi), stark naked. From this point, the storyline takes a delicious twist as Bolt becomes obsessed with figuring out who the model was for his wife's revealing statue.

David Niven, a stalwart in his own standing, makes Alex Bolt a British gentlemanly character with an obsessive twist, effectively depicting his jealousy and insecurity in the unconventional situation. Virna Lisi, the Italian beauty, skillfully portrays the confident, modern woman who finds herself in the centre of an increasingly absurd comedy of errors and misunderstandings – all while remaining remarkably balanced and natural.

Robert Vaughn puts up a memorable character as Bolt's arch-rival, the conniving and manipulative Ray, who adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The supporting cast, which includes various friends, family members, and art critics, brings depth and diversity to the narrative, each with their idiosyncrasies that contribute to the humor and intrigue of the plot.

The setting is predominantly in London, and to the delight of the audiences, the movie takes us to various picturesque parts of the city, beautifully captured. The Statue also includes scenes from a quaint Italian town and the posh, cosmopolitan life in New York, providing a backdrop to the drama that spirals out of control as Bolt becomes more and more obsessed with the statue.

The Statue explores themes of jealousy, monogamy, and the idea of ownership in relationships. It addresses these themes with a heady mix of wit, satire, and farce, offering a hilarious tour around a man's insecurities and obsessive tendencies. In this regard, the film takes a bold stance for its time, portraying a woman who is unashamed of her naked statue in the public square, and a man whose honor is not linked to his wife's modesty, but to his status as her sole admirer.

The humor of the movie is distinctly British, often reserved and sometimes veering towards the eccentric. This distinguishing feature is seen in the hilarious exchanges between the characters, especially the protagonist's interactions with his hilariously eccentric fellow linguists, city officials, and his own confounding family members.

While it may have a unique premise, The Statue is at its heart an old-school farcical comedy with a touch of class and elegance brought by Niven's splendid performance. Lisi brings a level of sophistication that complements this elegance while adding a dash of her exuberance and charm.

As a comedy film, The Statue promises to take its audience on a wildly entertaining journey – a journey that delves into absurd suspicions, comedic misunderstandings, and madcap adventures. An unusual story, blended with an impressive cast, ensures a whirlwind journey that amuses viewers from start to finish.

At its core, The Statue is a film of its time, a time when comedy could be smart and silly simultaneously. It's a lesser-known gem, filled with eccentric situations and juicy dialogues that testify to the limits comedy can be stretched when a misunderstanding is left unaddressed. This 1971 classic is worth revisiting for its memorable performances, central theme, and the laughs that it guarantees to bring.