Divorce Italian Style

When you come right down to it, there are very few films which truly deserve to be called "perfect," but 1961's Divorce Italian Style is one of them. Not only is it one of the best-looking Italian films ever made, but it's still (44 years later) one of the funniest, not to mention a triumphant showcase for the smooth, comedic genius of Marcello Mastroianni, who had attained Italian superstardom the year before in La Dolce Vita. Directed with a sly, delicate touch by Pietro Germi, the film centers on the hilariously desperate exploits of Baron Ferdinando Cefalù (Mastroianni) as he takes advantage of Italy's "crime of passion" laws (allowing relatively modest sentences for murdering one's spouse out of jealousy or betrayal), and schemes to eliminate his clinging wife Rosalia (Daniela Rocca) so he can marry his nubile young cousin Angela (Stefania Sandrelli). Through outrageous murder fantasies and a wealth of Sicilian flavor, Germi created a very modern film about very primal emotions, and the delicious humor is rooted in substantial drama and no small degree of tragedy. Criterion's two-disc set includes an absolutely perfect transfer of the beautifully photographed black-and-white film, along with a 39-minute documentary about Germi (who deserves as much recognition as Federico Fellini and is finally getting it), and various interviews with actors, writers, and critics about Germi's lasting impact on Italian cinema. In addition, a 28-page booklet features a trio of appreciative essays by critics Stuart Klawans and Andrew Sarris, and director (and son of Sicilians) Martin Scorsese. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Shannon)