The Eyes, the Mouth [Gli Occhi, la Bocca] ** (1982, Lou Castel, Ángela Molina, Emmanuelle Riva) – Classic Movie Review 8377

Writer-director Marco Bellocchio’s interesting if rather disappointing 1982 drama The Eyes, The Mouth [Gli Occhi, la Bocca] reunites the star (Lou Castel) and the director of the 1965 Fists in the Pocket (which the actor views in the film).

Castel plays a burned-out actor called Giovanni whose twin brother has committed suicide, prompting him to return home to Bologna for the funeral. The film follows how he, his mother (Emmanuelle Riva) and brother’s girlfriend Wanda (Angela Molina) are affected. Castel is attracted to Molina, but suffers a breakdown. Michel Piccoli plays Uncle Agostino.

Despite the intriguing situations and characters, and the literate, intelligent screenplay, as well as the very fair acting by the good stars, it ultimately does seem a fairly non-productive wallow, with political views that weigh it down rather than give it the sought-after extra dimension.

Also in the cast are Antonio Piovanelli as Wanda’s father, Giampaolo Saccarola, Viviana Toniolo as Adele, Antonio Petrocelli as The Doctor and Daniele Mondini.

The Eyes, The Mouth is directed by Marco Bellocchio, runs 93 minutes, is made by Odyssia, RAI 2, Gaumont and Triumph, is released by SACIS (1983) (Italy) and Gaumont, is written by Marco Bellocchio (story and screenplay), Vincenzo Cerami (scenario collaborator) and Catherine Breillat (collaborating writer), is shot by Giuseppe Lanci, is produced by Enzo Porcelli and is scored by Nicola Piovani.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8377

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