Watch Alfredo, Alfredo

Set in the early 20th century Italy, Alfredo, Alfredo is a charming and delightful comedy-drama movie directed by Pietro Germi. The movie revolves around the life of Alfredo (Dustin Hoffman), a shy and timid man who works as a clerk in a government office in a small Italian town. Despite being in his thirties, Alfredo has never been in a relationship and never really ventured out of his routine life, as he lives with his overprotective mother (Livia Cerini) who keeps a firm grip on his life. However, things start to change when Alfredo meets Maria (Stefania Sandrelli), a beautiful and outgoing woman who works at the local cinema.

Alfredo soon finds himself infatuated with Maria, but lacks the courage to express his feelings to her. Maria, on the other hand, is already engaged to a wealthy and influential man named Renzo (Carlo Bagno). Nevertheless, Maria sees something in Alfredo and finds herself drawn to him.

As the story unfolds, we witness the comical and captivating interactions between Alfredo, his mother, Maria, and Renzo, which adds to the movie's humor and its underlying themes of societal expectations and traditions. The movie portrays the conservative and restrictive society of the time, where the opinions and judgments of the elders hold significant value, and the adherence to it is crucial for social acceptance.

Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Alfredo is remarkable, as he brings a unique vulnerability to the character and captures the audience's empathy. Alfredo as a man who is conflicted between his desires and societal norms, and a part of his story arc is coming to terms with who he is and what he wants. Stefania Sandrelli's performance as Maria is equally impressive, as she adds depth to the character and makes us believe in her situation and motives.

The film's narrative features some expertly written comedic moments, and the social commentary woven into the story is cleverly disguised. The cinematography and art direction are particularly noteworthy, as they capture the essence of an era gone by beautifully.

The movie's soundtrack by Carlo Rustichelli is enchanting and complements the film's tone and mood. The score truly shines in the romantic moments between Alfredo and Maria and adds an extra layer of depth to these scenes.

Alfredo, Alfredo, boasts an impressive supporting cast, which includes Carla Gravina, who plays Renzo's sister, and Oreste Lionello, who plays Alfredo's colleague and confidant in the office. Both actors bring their own brand of humor and elevate the movie's comedic elements.

Overall, Alfredo, Alfredo is a light-hearted and heart-warming movie that offers a great escape from reality. It's a movie that explores the complexities of love and life while keeping its humor intact. The film's underlying themes of societal expectations, familial pressures, and personal desires are still relevant today and make it a memorable and relatable experience.