To Rome With Love

If you have seen every Woody Allen movie in the past decade, then the way this one goes will be no surprise. If you've not seen them, then this one may inspire you to see them. It's a typical Allen scenario - two young couples face challenges to their relationships when they find themselves in romantic climes. In one case, the mix is complicated by a comic muddle over the identity of the young man's bride, the confusing emerging from a twist of fate involving a call-girl (Penélope Cruz). In the other, there is the matter of resisting a girl whose provocative but blithe sexuality attracts the attention of more than one man.

Infidelity and their comic fallout are Allen's stock-in-trade. They have featured in almost every movie he has ever made. It even slipped into his most prosaic and serious movie - Interiors. Even so, Allen always controls it, and keeps it just this side of being ridiculous; though this movie does take the farce a little further than most.

Allen has also often questioned the meaning of fame. Famously unconcerned with his own fame, Allen visits the subject here again, but this time from a new perspective: that of un-earned fame. An ordinary man finds himself suddenly the object of media attention, is adored by everyone. Though baffled by fame, he soon realises the benefits it brings. He is thus feted by the masses; his opinion is sought on the most trivial of matters, and so on. His fame also lures him into infidelity, aided by a tide of women who are inexplicably excited by this confused, balding, middle-aged nobody in a suit. Allen digs into the question of fame a second time, when looking at how someone resisting fame may be turned.

There is a lot of Italian dialogue in this movie. The subtitles don't stay on the screen very long, so you have to be a quick reader or use the pause button. When Penélope Cruz gets in a rage, it's hard to keep up with her. This, coupled with the many threads of plot, few of which overlap, make the movie over-complicated at times. However, if you can handle all the stories Allen tells at once, then this is a fun movie that, as with all Allen movies, will leave you with enough relationship questions to keep the after-dinner conversations going for a week.

I've just seen this film and it's the best tonic I've had this Autumn. The actors are spot on, the theme is hilarious and very 'Woody Allen'. There are breathtaking views of Rome throughout and you get the wonder of that beautiful city. The various theme sketches were unconnected and each had its own charm and surprises. Woody, as always, was a great character and his wife, Judy Davis, was a perfect complement to him. Alec Baldwin played the best part I've ever seen him in and Penelope Cruz should get an Oscar for her part as the dazzling whore and her command of the Italian language. Yes,it has sub-titles for the Italian parts but this in no way detracts from your enjoyment and makes it all the more authentic. Woody has a dig at the 'celeb' status and Roberto Benigni plays the victim of overnight fame for no good reason and that story is gut-achingly funny. The real-life opera singer, Fabrio Armiliato, is not only brilliant in his part but has a wonderful voice and despite the comedic element of his role, his voice touches you to the core. This is light-hearted comedy at its very best with good music throughout to set the scene. It's soooo Italian and you are totally caught up in the characters and can find it all quite believable. I just didn't want it to end.

While not great Woody Allen - it's neither profound, moving nor funny
enough for that title, it is quite enjoyable.

The film is made up of four intercut short stories, that share little
other than the fact they're set in Rome. Some have fantasy elements,
some are more absurdist, others more straightforward character farce.

But somehow, though they don't make much of a logical grouping, the
whole thing is lighthearted and fun enough that it seems grumpy to pick
on it.

Sure some jokes fall flat and some ideas seem unfulfilled, but a lot of
it is wonderfully acted and cleverly written. And at a time when so
many comedies are aimed only at 15 year olds, even 2nd tier Woody,
simply telling playfully comic tales, is a welcome sight.