Watch After the Fox
- Approved
- 1966
- 1 hr 43 min
-
6.4 (4,849)
After the Fox is a 1966 comedy film directed by Vittorio De Sica and stars Peter Sellers, Victor Mature, and Britt Ekland. This movie tells the story of a notorious con artist, Aldo Vanucci (Peter Sellers), who escapes from prison and returns to his hometown in Italy to plan a huge heist. He pretends to be a legendary director of horror movies, Federico Fabrizi, and starts filming a fake movie with the help of his sister (Britt Ekland) and an aging Hollywood actor (Victor Mature), who owns a vineyard.
As Vanucci films his fake movie, he orchestrates the heist of a large shipment of gold being transported on a train, with the unwitting help of the townspeople. The train heist has its own twists and turns, and Vanucci's true identity is eventually revealed. The film ends with a comic finale on the beach as the police close in on Vanucci, but he manages to escape once again.
One of the main themes of this movie is identity and the power of acting. Vanucci's ability to play the part of the respected Federico Fabrizi allows him to gather support for his plan and cover his true intentions. This theme is explored through the use of parody and satire, as the fake film is a caricature of horror movie tropes, and the supporting characters are exaggerated stereotypes of small-town Italians.
The movie is also a commentary on the film industry itself, with several jokes and references to other movies and famous directors. For example, when Vanucci dismisses a script for being too predictable, he says "It's like Hitchcock without suspense." There are also nods to the famous Italian neorealist movement with scenes set in the impoverished areas of Rome.
The chemistry between the main stars, Peter Sellers, Victor Mature, and Britt Ekland, is a key part of the film's success. Sellers delivers his usual comic timing and physical humor as Vanucci, while Mature is a perfect foil as the washed-up actor turned wine-maker. Ekland, in her first major movie role, exudes charm and beauty as Vanucci's sister.
Another standout aspect of the film is the score, composed by Burt Bacharach. The jazz-influenced soundtrack perfectly complements the lighthearted tone of the movie and is still regarded as one of Bacharach's best works.
After the Fox may not be as well-known as some of Peter Sellers' other movies, but it is a must-see for fans of classic comedy and Italian cinema. The movie combines elements of farce, satire, and crime caper, making it a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. The talented cast, witty script, and stylish direction by De Sica make this a film that stands the test of time, even over 50 years after its release.
After the Fox is a 1966 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.