Review for Casanova '70

'Casanova '70' (actually released in 1965) is a right old romp; the Italian equivalent of one of our good old-fashioned sex farces, curiously popular in the '60's, generally celebrating one sexual mishap or spoiled opportunity after another. One day a psychologist will figure out what the appeal was. It was an approach that informed most the sauciest comedies of the era, and may have had something to do with censorship at the time. Plenty of tease and promise, but no action.



The good news is that this is actually very funny, principally because of the superb performance of Marcello Mastroianni who looks completely perplexed by his impulses and the consequences of his actions throughout.



Mastroianni plays Andrea, a devilishly handsome 'Casanova' (think Italian Dirk Bogarde) who needs danger to spice up his love-life to a point beyond his other-wise impotent love-life.


He shares encounters with a stream of gorgeous women (like Virna Lisi, Michèle Mercier and Marisa Mell). The original story and screenplay were nominated for an Oscar, which seems a little over-stated on reflection, though it's a thoroughly enjoyable piece - playing out like something between a Jacques Tati comedy and a Carry On film, which in my books is tantamount to the ultimate compliment.


The piece is full of high farce. An indicative example is one where our hero arrives in a Sicilian village to find that a newlywed husband wants nothing to do with his new bride as believes she's not pure.


Andrea pretends to be a medical doctor and is more than happy to administer an examination.


He goes into her room, shuts the door and emerges a full two hours later in a complete sweat. He announces 'She is pure!' just before the real doctor arrives and a typical farcical chase begins.


The image quality is perfectly adequate (in what looks close to the original Aspect Ratio at 1.72:1) and I have read of previous editions having poor, washed out prints. I don't know whether there has been any re-mastering but I thought this looked absolutely fine.

The audio is adequate too.

Sadly there were no extras on this edition.