The Frame

Now, I really think I missed something here. Divorce, Italian Style is usually right up there on critics lists and is considered one of the best Italian comedies ever. Perhaps Italians don’t make very many good comedies? No, but seriously. The premise is great – an Italian man stuck in an unhappy marriage hits on the idea that since he can’t divorce his wife, divorce laws in Italy being pretty strict, he will kill her instead. However, in order to take advantage of a leniency in Italian murder law concerning crimes of passion, he concocts a complicated plan that involves bringing in a former sweetheart of his wife’s, getting them into a compromising situation, and then killing her in a fit of passion. Add in the other man’s wife, who has similar designs, and you should have a zany good time. But…you don’t. The film is slow-moving, strangely lifeless, and focuses far more on the main character’s desire for his niece than seemed healthy or helpful. Yet, there must be something I missed, because really smart film people really like this film. For my part, I’m giving it an above average because there are moments that are perfect (thanks mostly to actor Marcello Mastroianni).
Above Average