Pasqualino Settebellezze

English title: Seven Beauties

Also known as: Pasqualino

Genre: comedy drama

With: Giancarlo Giannini (Pasqualino Frafuso a.k.a. Settebellezze), Fernando Rey (Pedro the Anarchist), Elena Fiore (Concettina, one of Pasqualino’s seven sisters), Piero Di Iorio (Francesco, Pasqualino's comrade), Shirley Stoler (the Camp Commandant), Enzo Vitale (Don Raffaele), Roberto Herlitzka (the Socialist), Lucio Amelio (the Lawyer), Mario Conti (Totonno), Ermelinda De Felice (Pasqualino's Mother)

Director: Lina Wertmüller

Screenplay: Lina Wertmüller

Release: 1975

Studio: Medusa Distribuzione

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.7/10 

 

Some Things I’d Rather Forget 

 

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Story-line: as he fumbles his way home after fleeing the Nazis with another Italian prisoner, Pasqualino Frafuso reflects on his life so far, recalling those happy times when he was a well-dressed hoodlum watching over his sisters but also the awful events that led him into World War II.

Pluses: a frantic, tireless and full-ranged performance by Giancarlo Giannini, fine support from Fernando Rey, Shirley Stoler and cast, professional, fast-paced direction, a colourful, jam-packed screenplay (admire that 4-minute silent scene in the courtroom!), faultless production values, amazing cinematography and a tangy musical score that captures the Felliniesque mood of the story.

Minuses: I didn’t understand every Italian reference in the movie but I won’t make a fuss over it. Some viewers may be shocked by the film’s off-colour jokes; personally, I found them cathartic. 

Comments: as a director, Lina Wertmüller (1928-2021) has always distinguished herself by her daring, fearless works that combine tragedy, humour, social comment and political criticism to great effect. The memorable and exuberant SEVEN BEAUTIES, which begins with a biting critique of Mussolini, Hitler and social mores, stands as one of her greatest achievements, an artistic triumph confirmed by four nominations at the 1977 Academy Awards and another at the Golden Globes. It also showcases one of her usual partners in crime, the ebullient Giancarlo Giannini. It’s a real treat to see Pasqualino go through circumstances he cannot control and prove to everyone − himself especially − that he is a survivor. In this sense, he may be seen as a metaphor for Italy’s struggle through the 1930s and 40s, a very turbulent period in its history. A remarkable journey! An outrageous film! Great entertainment for movie buffs!

    

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