The Handsome Devil
Deep South Italian seventies. The performing and penniless sales representative "Tano" Avallone, fell in love with the beautiful Mariangela, sixteen-year-old daughter of the widowed lawyer "Totonno" Fortis Pantaleo. In order to approach the girl, he enters the graces of the professional, posing as his childhood friend and saying he is willing to eliminate the elderly Donna Mercedes, mother of these, so that he can inherit the substances. Guest of the family, Tano finds himself involved in a whirlwind of feminine attentions, including the free-range governess Immaculate, unnecessarily coveted by the lawyer, and the servant Sisina, desired by the parish priest.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film centers on a man who returns to his childhood home after a long absence, only to find himself drawn into a strange and dreamlike relationship with his memories and the people who inhabit them. As he navigates the distorted reality of his past, he confronts unresolved issues and a lingering sense of melancholy.
Critical Reception
The Handsome Devil received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its surreal atmosphere and Michel Piccoli's performance, others found its narrative disjointed and overly ambiguous. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its artistic aspirations and others finding it inaccessible.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unique, dreamlike visual style and exploration of memory.
- Criticized for a narrative that can be difficult to follow and occasionally ponderous.
- Michel Piccoli's central performance is often highlighted as a strong point.
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Fun Fact
The film was the directorial debut of Gérard Brach, who was previously known for his work as a screenwriter for directors like Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda.
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