Casanova '70 (1965)

Mario Monicelli's Casanova '70 is an utterly pretentious farce.But this farce is executed with such an innovative storyline, and such great acting by Marcello Mastroianni, and a production that exudes style and class at every turn, that this farce is transformed in an very effective piece of cinematic storytelling, The ultimate coup de theatre in this rather convoluted, and improbable tale is the court scene, where the Major's whole amorous history is put "on trial", replete with a witness list that includes not only all of his sympathetic former love interests, but his psychiatrist too, who is all too happy to tell the court about his patient's rather peculiar, and hilarious "sexual hang up".The cinematography is really good too, as it scans across the widely divergent settings that make this film so interesting to view.Mastroianni, in his very effective comic portrayal shows us yet another aspect of the great breadth of his acting abilities that qualifies him as one of the all time greats.

It's an excellent comedy, with multiple moments of laughter, 2 of the most beautiful women in the world at that moment, and a fantastic appearance from Mastroianni.The plot is simple, yet effective enough to develop feelings for "Andrea", in his continuous search of sexual pleasure under danger.The production is in rather good shape, despite being 50-years old film. I just have some small complains about the sound, sometimes is a bit off.It's really a shame this film isn't more well-known. Really recommended!

"Casanova '70" is a colourful movie directed by Mario Monicelli, one of the Italian comedy masters. The film follows the sexual adventures of Andrea (Marcello Mastroianni), a handsome "Casanova" who thinks being impotent, in reality he only needs danger for being excited and conquer women...The film is a product of its time (we clearly see that we're in 1965!), but it's funny and teases the myth of Italian "macho". The merit of the picture is talking about sex without being vulgar. Mastroianni shows a comical approach and is at ease, also the rest of the cast enjoy (we see, among others, gorgeous women like Virna Lisi, Michèle Mercier and Marisa Mell...). In a role -Mell's husband- we find Italian director Marco Ferreri, famous for "outrageous" movies like "La grande bouffe", "Tales of ordinary madness", "Bye bye Monkey" and long time friend of Marcello Mastroianni.Once more, when we see such films we miss an extremely vivacious Italian cinema which doesn't exist any more.

Mastrioanni is at his best. He cannot have sex unless there is danger to his life.Best scene is when a Sicilian family [owners of a restaurant where he is having lunch alone] drags a young girl to her bedroom and locks her up.Her husband of one hour has exclaimed that he wants nothing to do with her because she in not pure.Mastroianni explains to the Sicilians that he is a medical doctor and would be very happy to examine her and determine whether or not she is pure.He goes into her room and closes the door. Two hours later he emerges all sweaty, bug-eyed and shaking.He exclaims "she is pure." At about this time the real doctor arrives and the chase is on.This picture is so funny.It is as if Mastroianni is the whole Marx brothers family rolled up into one person.I really believe Mastroianni was always at his best in comedy.Especially sexual comedy, Italian style.It is a shame this film is no longer available. Someone should bring it back. It is a classic.