What Time Is It?

What Time Is It? is a highly unique and enthralling cinematic experience that graces the silver screen, jam-packed with raw human emotions and expressive characters who are portrayed by a stellar cast. The movie's title reflects the profound existential theme that permeates the film like a repeating motif, plunging deep into the human psyche. It leaves audiences pondering life, relationships, and the relentless march of time.

This 1989 gem is led by two seasoned actors whose on-screen chemistry is simply fascinating to witness. Marcello Mastroianni, known for his remarkable performances in "La Dolce Vita" and "8 ½", gives another outstanding performance. His natural flair for intensifying the magnitude of emotions does not fail him in this picturesque drama. He is paired with the equally talented Massimo Troisi, best known for his memorable work in "Il Postino". The beautiful Anne Parillaud also makes a significant appearance, adding an interesting layer of emotion and complication to the narrative.

The film begins with Marcello Mastroianni's character, an affluent Roman lawyer who resides in a grand, luxurious villa. He’s living a seemingly content life defined by his elite social status and material richness. However, beneath the surface of his comfortable existence lie bouts of inner dissatisfaction, the feeling of a void that he just can't seem to fill. His struggle reveals the irony of the privileged classes, encapsulating how emotional fulfillment does not always accompany material wealth.

In contrast to Mastroianni's character is Massimo Troisi's character, a humble watchmaker from a small, close-knit community. Unlike Mastroianni, he belongs to the working-class group, leading a modest life that is nothing short of struggles, hard work, and little spare time. However, beneath the simple exterior resides a man full of life, endowed with rich emotional layers. He longs for his father’s love and approval, a key theme of the movie that tugs at the audience’s heartstrings.

Their different worlds intersect when Mastroianni's character, in quest of something missing from his life, encounters the watchmaker. The contrast in their social status and perspectives introduces a profound narrative exploring the juxtaposition of their respective lives. The film employs the trope of a chance encounter to delve into the existential questions of the human experience, inquiring the ambiguous relationship we share with time.

The riveting narrative is amplified by the incredible performances of the cast. Mastroianni's nuanced portrayal of the discontented lawyer strikes a careful balance between vulnerability and arrogance, while Troisi's heartbreaking earnestness is profoundly moving. Parillaud, too, turns in a sensitive performance that brings depth to the story.

The character arcs of both leads are delicately interwoven with the concepts of comfort, loneliness, privilege, and love, spanning across different strata of time and emotion. They embark upon a journey of introspection, striving to reconnect with their roots while grappling with their inner turmoil. The movie presents the concept of 'time' subjectively, treating it not as a concrete entity but a metaphysical concept.

Visually, the movie is beautifully framed by splendid cinematography that captures the stunning Italian countryside to the sophisticated heart of Rome with equal aplomb. The director plays with the juxtaposition of urban and rural landscapes to further highlight the polarity in the characters' lives.

Scintillating with a rich screenplay, outstanding performances, and deeply thought-provoking themes, What Time Is It? is a captivating exploration of human emotions. Simultaneously heart-breaking and uplifting, it is a moving piece of cinema that explores relationships, longing, regret, and the way these emotions mold and shape our time on earth. This film is an emotionally engaging masterpiece that draws you in and leaves you contemplating time’s mysterious and relentless passage.

What Time Is It? showcases the absolute best of Italian cinema - enthralling storylines, top-tier performances, and unforgettable cinematic moments. The film blends the best of drama and metaphorical philosophy to create a timeless film that resonates throughout the ages. Despite releasing over three decades ago, What Time Is It? is a movie that remains as evocative today, as it was back then.