Ages of Love (Manuale d'Amore 3)
Director: Giovanni Veronesi
Cast: Robert De Niro, Riccardo Scamarcio, Valeria Salarino, Carlo Verdone and Monica Belluci
Releasing in cinemas: 24 November 2011
Rated: MA 15+
From a
taxi, Cupid weaves his spell
Giovanni
Veronesi’s Ages of Love is a
three-part frothy souffle of a movie in typical Italian manner, all
about sudden unexpected love. While somewhat different in content, the
structure harks back to the l950 Max Ophül's La Ronde, with the suave Anton
Walbrook being replaced by a taxi-driving cheeky Cupid (Emanuele
Propizio), complete with modern hi-tech bow and arrows.
The first story, 'Youth', concerns a young lawyer Roberto
(Riccardo
Scamarcio) required to get agreement from a stubborn peasant farmer to
sell his property. This lands him in a Tuscan village full of crackpots
and jokers. Now Roberto is betrothed to Sara (Valeria Salarino), but
with a few lingering doubts about marriage, he leaves this lovely girl
at home. The handsome lawyer meets up with the town's hottest lady, the
sexy and provocative Micol (Laura Chiatti) then Cupid shots his arrow
of love, leading to a touch of bedroom farce with a lot of eccentric
people.
The second (and to my mind the best) tale, 'Maturity', becomes
hilariously funny when a TV news presenter Fabio (Carlo Verdone),
a faithful husband for 25 years, falls into the clutches of a female
stalker in the voluptuous form of the beautiful but crackpot Eliana
(Donatella Finocchiaro). The liaison finally threatens Fabio's family
and job. There are a lot of sight gags, including some nonsense with a
hairpiece, and Eliana's room smothered in angels.
The last chapter, 'Beyond', is sure to be the favourite of Robert De
Niro fans. Little wonder; he's speaking fluent Italian and romancing
the stunning Monica Bellucci. This is De Niro's first Italian language
speaking part since Bertolucci's 1900.
Aging American art history professor Adrian (De Niro) has retired to
Rome since his divorce and quietly enjoys a peaceful existence - but
not for long. An old friend Augusto (Michele Placido) has problems with
his lovely but volatile daughter Viola (Bellucci). She hides in
Adrian's apartment while he tries to sort out her life. Cupid shoots
another arrow from his taxi and Adrian falls head over heels in love.
From the opening scene playing tootsies under the dining table, to
Adrian doing an impromptu strip for Monica, there's considerable
sweetness mixed with humour.
Veronesi directs playfully and with verve; after
all, he’s fully
experienced with this episodic rom-com format, having previously
provided us Manuale d’Amore 1
and 2. He also takes credit
for the script. Just watch the cameras making the most of the shapely
team of beautiful women. Suitable music points up the romantic
atmosphere.
Through superb comic timing Carlo Verdone (Italians) cheerfully pinches every
scene in ‘Maturity’ making it a madcap romp with overtones of Fatal Attraction. He's one of
Italy's most popular comedians, and he proves that in every amusing
facial expression. He’s well matched with the vivacious and fiery
Donatella Finocchairo. This segment has a nostalgic reflection to the
golden age of Italian comedy.
Robert De Niro, with a wild coiffure of graying hair, is the
value-added feature of the film, as effective in romantic comedy as
stark drama. Monica Bellucci, who we fell in love with as Giuseppe
Tornatore's Malèna, continues
to light up the screen. They have good chemistry together obviously
enjoying the experience.
In the first story concerning love and commitment, Riccardo Scamarcio
makes for an attractive if confounded Roberto in this anecdotal
episode, aided of course by the exuberant Laura Chiatti.
Ages of Love, while
lightweight, perhaps a little sugary and uneven, made quite a hit at
the recent Italian Film Festival. It should appeal to art house
audiences, who enjoy a breezy comedy with Italian sense of humour and
love of life.
John Bale