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5.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Lo smemorato remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, you'll probably like Lo Smemorato if you have a soft spot for those old-school Italian comedies where people are constantly running through doors or pretending to be someone they definitely aren't. If you need tight pacing or a modern script, though, you might find yourself checking your watch. It’s a bit of a relic, but it has a certain charm.
The whole premise is basically a giant 'what if?' for anyone who has ever wanted to just walk out on their annoying relatives. Our lead character decides he's done with his impossible family and just… leaves. It’s relatable, in a way. I mean, who hasn't had that thought while dealing with a loud house? 🏠
Then he meets this widow who is convinced he is her late husband. The way she looks at him—it’s both sweet and slightly creepy. Like, how much do you have to miss someone to just force a stranger into their shoes? It’s a weird dynamic, but it keeps things moving.
The performances feel very much of their time. Lots of big gestures and dramatic pauses that wouldn't fly in a movie today. There’s a scene about midway through where the dialogue gets so rapid-fire that I had to rewind just to catch who was yelling at who. It's chaotic.
It’s not quite as sharp as Nearly Rich, which handles similar themes of class and confusion with a bit more bite. But there’s a lightness here that I appreciated. It doesn't try to be a deep, philosophical statement. It just wants you to laugh at a guy who is way out of his depth.
It’s a bit of a weird ride. Sometimes it feels like it’s going to turn into a drama, and then someone trips over a rug and we’re back to the comedy. It’s definitely not a perfect movie, but it has a heartbeat. 🎞️