About Divorce, Italian Style

"Divorce, Italian Style" is a classic black comedy film released in 1962. The film is based in the town of Agramonte, Sicily, and was directed by Pietro Germi. It has been acclaimed for its humorous and satirical take on Italian customs and society.

The plot follows Ferdinando Cefalù, a bankrupt Sicilian nobleman who falls in love with his cousin and contrives to murder his wife so that he can marry his cousin. He meticulously plans the murder in such a way that should he be caught, he will be justified under Italian law. However, his plans go awry when his wife runs off with a family friend before he's able to carry out his plan.

Making / Production

"Divorce, Italian Style" is a joint Italian production, and was made with the involvement of several Italian film production studios, including Lux Film, Vides Cinematografica and Arco Film. It was directed by Pietro Germi, with a script co-written by Germi and Ennio De Concini, Alfredo Giannetti.

Actors

• Marcello Mastroianni as Ferdinando Cefalù: A Sicilian nobleman who spends his days dreaming of his young cousin, undeterred by the fact he's already married. Marcello Mastroianni captivated audiences with his classic Italian charm and satire.
• Daniela Rocca as Rosalia Cefalù: Ferdinando's histrionic wife who becomes the target of his murderous plans. Rocca brilliantly portrayed the character with comedic timing.
• Stefania Sandrelli as Angela: Ferdinando's young cousin and the object of his affection, played by Stefania Sandrelli with an innocence that contrasted the dark plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was a major box-office success in Italy upon its release.
• "Divorce, Italian Style" was director Pietro Germi's first comedy.
• The ex-king of Greece, Constantine II, appears briefly in the film as an uncredited extra.

Awards

"Divorce, Italian Style" received several awards and nominations. Marcello Mastroianni received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance. The film itself won an Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen.

Quotes

• "When one is in love, all five senses are blind."
• "Destiny has a way of catching up to those who run."
• "Marriage, my friend, is the biggest risk of all."

• "Divorce, Italian Style" has a unique and captivating musical score by legendary composer Carlo Rustichelli.
• The impactful main theme "Lo smemorato di Collegno" gives the movie a charm and allure, making it quite memorable.