Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember

Romano Rating: 77%

A humorous and self-deprecating look at the life of a 72-year-old Italian film icon in his own words. Had it been edited down to less than two hours, this biographical documentary might well have been even more enjoyable to watch. It is still well worth seeing, there are some wonderful anecdotes and brilliant scenes from Mastroianni's films and stage appearances. But at 3 hours and 18 minutes, you may be better off renting it on video and taking breaks.

To Remember: "When I was young, life seemed long and endless to me."

"This is a marvelous profession, you're paid to play and everyone applauds."

A sensitive documentary portraying in his own words, the great Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni. Film clips to go along with his life story. Although known as The Latin Lover after his starring role in La Dolce Vida, he claims it is not so. He maintains in his own words (Subtitled) that he was paid to play the role of the lover in his films and never even walked on the Via Veneto. Mastroianni made about 170 films and never had an aging problem because he had no problem playing characters that matched his age. He quite honestly said that at least 20 of his films were complete duds and some clips were shown on a couple of them. I'm surprised that there has not been a greater distribution of this film, particularly since it showed some of the older Italian movie directors who Scorcese and other American directors have openly copied from. For Italian film buffs, nostalgia at its best.

This is a fantastic documentary for anyone really interested in the cinema. It is very long so it is really for the committed cinephile and true fan of Marcello Mastroanni. He was already 72 when he recorded this but that only gives the film even more credibility. He has great humility and is very candid. I have always admired this man both as an actor and as a person. His warmth is such that you can imagine yourself having an espresso with him and listen to him talk. And can he talk. You can see that he truly enjoys his profession and takes it very seriously indeed. He talks with the same easy manner that he acts.He makes it all look and sound so easy. Bravo Marcellino wherever you are.