Il cappotto (1952)
The Overcoat (1952)
DVD9 | ISO+MDS | PAL 4:3 | 01:42:55 | 6,33 Gb
Audio: Italian AC3 2.0 @ 224 kbps | Subs: English
Genre: Drama, Comedy
DVD9 | ISO+MDS | PAL 4:3 | 01:42:55 | 6,33 Gb
Audio: Italian AC3 2.0 @ 224 kbps | Subs: English
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Based on Nikolai Gogol's story with the location changed from Russia to Italy and the time changed to the present (1952), the story is about a poor city-hall clerk (Renato Rascel) whose only desire is for a new overcoat. The town Mayor (Giulio Stival) is planning a reception for some visiting VIP's in honor of a new, wasteful piece of construction. The clerk bungles his assignment and is fired. But he stumbles onto some bribery concerning the architects and, to keep him quiet, he's given his job back plus a bonus. He buys his long-cherished overcoat, and it makes him so presentable he wins newly-found respect from everybody. But his coat is stolen and the bitter weather causes him to contact a fever and he dies. His funeral upsets the Mayor's reception when he returns as a ghost.
IMDB
A post-Neorealist comic fable showcasing the hilarious talents of Renato Rascel, Alberto Lattuada's The Overcoat is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding universe of Italian cinema available on DVD. It won't displace the landmark works of Rossellini or Antonioni, but it has a loose, light, genuinely funny charm that grants it a place all its own. Its impact may be shorter-lived than that of a true masterpiece, but it's sheer enjoyment, an indulgent pleasure to see; its brand of well-crafted comic agility is certainly rare enough, and Lattuada and Rascel have created something seriously amusing that will more likely than not leave you helplessly smiling at its ultimate poignancy once all the contagious, fast and furious laughter has died down. Recommended.
Il cappotto (1952)
A poor city clerk is given the chance to buy a new overcoat, because he overhears some information at work that he was not supposed to hear. Not wanting this information to get out, his boss bribes him for his secrecy. Shortly after getting his new overcoat, his confidence rises at a rapid pace and he is invited to a party at the mayor’s home. Unfortunately his moment in the spotlight is short lived, on the way home a mugger steals his new overcoat.
Il cappotto (1952)
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The Overcoat was co-written and directed by Alberto Lattuada, who’s other notable films include Variety Lights (which he co-directed with Federico Fellini), Come Have Coffee with Us, Mafioso and Stay as You Are. The screenplay for The Overcoat was adapted from Nikolai Gogol’s short story also titled ‘The Overcoat’.
Il cappotto (1952)
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Key collaborators on The Overcoat include cinematographer Mario Montuori (A Breath of Scandal, Forgotten Pistolero) and screenwriter Cesare Zavattini, who is most known for his collaborations with Vittorio De Sica, most notably Shoeshine, Bicycle Thieves and Umberto D.
Il cappotto (1952)
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Though the plot does on occasion interject social commentary, it is not these moments which drive the narrative. In fact, it is this film’s protagonist a poor city clerk named Carmine and his need to be accepted by those around him, that makes the story at hand all the more potent. And just like a ‘superhero’ he assumes a new persona once he put on his costume, in this case his new coat.
Il cappotto (1952)
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And while there is a somber tone that engulfs the bulk of the narrative. One should not overlook the importance that the humor plays in this film. After all, comedy and tragedy go hand in hand. It should be noted that the humor that leans more towards satirizing, that it often misses the mark. While the humor that revolves around the film’s protagonist is this film’s more durable asset.
Il cappotto (1952)
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The success of this film lays squarely on the shoulders of its leading man Renato Rascel (The Secret of Santa Vittoria) and fortunately he is up for the task, as he gives a pitch perfect performance. And without a doubt the scenes in which he struts around town in his new coat are this film’s most entertaining moments. One of these stand out moments include a pair of scenes in which he is supposed to writing down what the mayor is saying and in the end he fails to do even this remedial task. On the other hand, he more than handles himself well during the more dramatic moments drenched in melancholy, especially this film’s unforgettable conclusion.
Il cappotto (1952)
Special Features:
- Audio commentary by F. De Bernardinis
- Interview with Angelo Pasquini
- Additional unseen scenes
- Differences between screenplay and final cut
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