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Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember

1997, Movie, NR, 199 mins

Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember: Review

MARCELLO MASTROIANNI: I REMEMBER | MARCELLO MASTROIANNI: I REMEMBER, YES I REMEMBER | MARCELLO MASTROIANNI: MI RICORDO, SÌ MI RICORDO
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This rambling reminiscence of the Italian actor's life in movies was assembled by Anna Maria Tato, Mastroianni's companion until his death in 1996. It begins with Mastroianni describing his infatuation with the enchanted world of Hollywood movies; "Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable," he sighs, ticking off the idols of his youth and remembering the sight of cigarette smoke swirling in the projector beam. For the next three hours, he recalls a career that spanned six decades and movies ranging from LA DOLCE VITA to the virtually unknown TODO MODO. He reminisces about his directors — including, of course, Federico Fellini — and freely admits that he did many films not because the scripts were good, but because they were shot somewhere he wanted to visit. Mastroianni scoffs at his Latin Lover image, wonders gently at the contortions method actors put themselves through and, on the Portuguese locations of VOYAGE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD, marvels at the energy of 88-year old director Manoel de Oliveira. Surprisingly self-deprecating (he always wanted Jean Gabin's lips and Vittorio Gassman's nose) and still handsome at 72, Mastroianni is a winning raconteur whose debonair manner is only slightly marred by a conspicuous tremor. The film is chock full of lengthy film clips, as well as footage of theatrical productions: What fan wouldn't want to see Mastroianni tap-dancing and tangoing his way through a musical called Ciao Rudy? Perhaps he scarcely mentions his private life because of his relationship with the director, or perhaps because he put so much energy into making movies, some 170 in all; in any event, this isn't a vehicle for juicy gossip. And it's unfortunate that the clips aren't labeled, and that the white subtitles too often blend into the image. But it's a lovely homage to a charismatic star. (In Italian, with English subtitles.) leave a comment --Maitland McDonagh
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