How Funny Can Sex Be?

Synopsis

How Funny Can Sex Be? (original title: Sessomatto) is a 1973 Italian comedy exploring the humorous and often absurd side of sexuality. Directed by Marco Ferreri and featuring a standout performance by Giancarlo Giannini, the film delves into the intricacies of love, desires, and the comedic misadventures that ensue when the boundaries of sexual expression are tested. The protagonist, played by Giannini, embarks on a series of escapades that highlight the often irrational behavior humans exhibit in their quest for intimacy and pleasure. With its playful yet poignant storytelling, the film provocatively questions societal norms surrounding sex and relationships. The colorful characters and bizarre situations create a vivid tapestry of comedic moments, making the film a noteworthy examination of 1970s Italian culture and its liberal attitudes toward sexuality. Ferreri's signature style shines through, merging absurdity with a hint of social commentary, making How Funny Can Sex Be? a unique gem of its time.

Cast

• 

  Giancarlo Giannini

  Domenico ('Signora sono le 8') / Cesaretto ('Due cuori e una baracca') / Enrico ('Non è mai troppo tardi') / Lello ('Viaggio di nozze') / Giansiro ('Torna piccina mia') / The Donor ('Lavoratore italiano all'estero') / Michele Maccò ('La vendetta') / Saturnino ('Un amore difficile') / Dottor Bianchi ('L'ospite')

• 

  Laura Antonelli

  Madame Juliette ('Signora sono le 8') / Celestina ('Due cuori e una baracca') / Enrico's Wife ('Non è mai troppo tardi') / Grazia ('Viaggio di nozze') / Tamara ('Torna piccina mia') / The Nun ('Lavoratore italiano all'estero') / Donna Mimma Maccò ('La vendetta') / Tiziana ('L'ospite')

• 

  Alberto Lionello

  Gilda / Cosimo ("Un amore difficile")

• 

  Duilio Del Prete

  Vittorio / ('L'ospite')

• 

  Paola Borboni

  Esperia / ('Non è mai troppo tardi')

• 

  Carla Mancini

  Rosario / Maid - ('L'ospite')

Reviews

How Funny Can Sex Be? has received a mixed bag of critical reception since its release. On IMDb, the film holds a score of 6.1/10, indicative of a polarizing view from audiences. Critics have praised Giancarlo Giannini's performance as a standout element, with one review highlighting, "Giannini's charisma shines in this delightfully absurd exploration of love and lust." However, some have criticized the film's irregular pacing and its sometimes convoluted narrative, claiming that it strays too far into surrealism for mainstream audiences. The film is often described as a blend of farce and introspective comedy, with reviewers noting that, "While the humor is hit or miss, the boldness of the film's themes makes it worthwhile for those willing to engage with its eccentricity." The eclectic style of director Marco Ferreri has also been a talking point, with some praising his willingness to push boundaries, stating, "Ferreri's audacity in addressing taboo subjects is both commendable and questionable at times." Overall, How Funny Can Sex Be? remains a significant piece of cinema that has sparked discussions around its comedic take on sexuality, despite not appealing to all viewers.

See also

Joker

Titanic

The Wolf of Wall Street

Back to the Future