Okay, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a specific flavour of early 90s European comedy that might have graced your VCR if you ventured beyond the usual Hollywood fare. Remember those slightly chaotic, often bittersweet Italian comedies that seemed to have their own unique rhythm? Tonight, we're popping in a well-loved, if perhaps regionally specific, gem: Neri Parenti's Infelici e contenti (loosely translates to "Unhappy and Happy") from 1992. This isn't explosive action, but it’s got the frantic energy and unexpected heart that defined so much comedy from the era, starring two titans of Italian popular comedy: Renato Pozzetto and Ezio Greggio.
Finding this tape back in the day often felt like discovering a secret handshake – a glimpse into a different comedic universe, often dubbed, sometimes subtitled, always brimming with a certain... energy. Infelici e contenti perfectly encapsulates that vibe.
### The Unlikely Road Trip
The setup is pure odd-couple gold, albeit with a poignant twist. Renato Pozzetto, known for his slightly bewildered, hangdog persona, plays Aldo, a former boxing champion now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after a suspicious accident. He's understandably miserable, living a quiet life with his devoted sister (played with warmth by Marina Suma, a familiar face from many 80s Italian comedies). Enter Vittorio (Ezio Greggio), a charming, fast-talking con man on the run from loan sharks. Through a series of comically unfortunate events, Vittorio ends up becoming Aldo’s unlikely caretaker and companion, eventually convincing the initially reluctant Aldo to embark on a road trip to Sanremo. You just know things are going to go sideways, and gloriously so.
What unfolds is less about the destination and more about the chaotic journey. Director Neri Parenti, a name synonymous with some of Italy's biggest box office comedy hits (especially the later Fantozzi films starring Paolo Villaggio), keeps the pace brisk and the gags coming. Parenti wasn’t exactly known for subtlety; his style is broad, sometimes leaning into slapstick, but incredibly effective for this kind of mainstream Italian comedy. Infelici e contenti fits right into his wheelhouse, balancing physical comedy with situational absurdity.
### Pozzetto & Greggio: A 90s Power Pairing
The real engine of the film is the dynamic between its two leads. Renato Pozzetto was already a legend, his unique comedic timing and expressive face capable of conveying volumes with just a look. Here, confined physically, he channels Aldo's frustration and eventual flicker of hope beautifully, grounding the film even amidst the silliness. It’s a performance that requires navigating both pathos and punchlines, and Pozzetto handles it with his typical understated skill.
Contrast this with Ezio Greggio. Primarily known in Italy as a charismatic TV host (co-hosting the satirical news show Striscia la notizia for decades), Greggio brings an infectious, slightly manic energy to Vittorio. He's the catalyst, the schemer, the source of most of the film's disasters, but somehow remains likeable. This Pozzetto-Greggio pairing became a reliable comedic force in early 90s Italian cinema, appearing together in several films around this time, like Ricky & Barabba (1992), and their chemistry is undeniable. They play off each other perfectly, Pozzetto’s deadpan reacting to Greggio’s mile-a-minute patter.
### That Italian Comedy Craft
While it might look like just another fun romp, peek behind the curtain and you find some serious writing talent involved. Retro Fun Fact: The screenplay boasts contributions from not only Parenti himself but also the legendary Rodolfo Sonego (a frequent collaborator with Alberto Sordi) and the iconic duo Leo Benvenuti & Piero De Bernardi (Amici Miei, Fantozzi, Compagni di Scuola). Having such esteemed writers involved likely explains why, beneath the gags, the character dynamics feel well-observed and the central relationship surprisingly resonant. It's a reminder that even seemingly lightweight comedies from this era often benefited from seasoned cinematic craftsmanship.
Watching it now, the film feels undeniably early 90s Italian. The fashion, the cars, the specific atmosphere of locations like Genoa and the Ligurian coast – it’s a potent shot of nostalgia for anyone familiar with the period or place. The humour is very much of its time; some gags might feel a bit dated, perhaps leaning on stereotypes that wouldn't fly today, but the core comedic engine – the clash of personalities, the escalating chaos of the road trip – still works surprisingly well. Remember how even the background details in these films felt so specific and real back then, even on a fuzzy VHS copy? This film has that tangible quality.
Another interesting tidbit – Retro Fun Fact: While a mainstream hit in Italy, the film's premise dealing with disability, even within a comedic framework, was handled with a certain degree of sensitivity for its time, largely thanks to Pozzetto's nuanced performance. It avoids being overly saccharine but still finds moments of genuine connection between the two men.
### Still Worth the Trip?
Infelici e contenti isn't aiming for groundbreaking cinema, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a funny, sometimes touching, slightly chaotic road movie powered by two perfectly matched comedic stars. It captures a specific moment in Italian popular culture and filmmaking, one where broad comedy could still have a touch of melancholy and rely on strong character work alongside the slapstick. It might not have the slick polish of modern comedies, but its heart and energy are infectious. If you stumbled upon this on a dusty rental shelf back in the day, revisiting it feels like catching up with old, slightly eccentric friends.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: The rating reflects the film's strong comedic performances, particularly the excellent chemistry between Pozzetto and Greggio, the surprisingly pedigreed writing team, and its effective execution within the specific genre of early 90s Italian comedy. It successfully blends humour and pathos, delivering a genuinely entertaining and nostalgic watch, even if some elements feel dated. It’s a solid example of its type, elevated by its leads.
Final Thought: Infelici e contenti is a warm reminder that sometimes the best comedy comes from putting two disparate souls together on the road to nowhere special, especially when captured with that specific, slightly rough-around-the-edges charm unique to the VHS era. A delightful detour for fans of European comedy.