Alright, fellow tape-heads, rewind your minds back to those glorious aisles of the video store. Past the action heroes flexing on the covers, beyond the neon glow of sci-fi, sometimes you'd stumble onto something... different. Maybe a foreign comedy with a familiar-yet-not-quite-placeable face on the box. That's the vibe hitting me as I dust off a true slice of mid-90s Italian charm: Carlo Vanzina's I Don't Speak English (original title: Io non spingo), starring the inimitable Paolo Villaggio.
Released in 1995, this wasn't the kind of film likely headlining the "New Releases" wall at Blockbuster, but it embodies that specific joy of discovering a quirky, character-driven comedy tucked away on the shelves. For anyone familiar with Italian cinema, Paolo Villaggio is, of course, a legend – the perpetually put-upon, hilariously subservient accountant Fantozzi is an icon. Seeing him here, stepping slightly outside that legendary persona yet still channelling that masterful physical comedy and expressive hangdog face, is a treat in itself.
### An Italian Abroad: An Exercise in Anglophobia
I Don't Speak English throws us headfirst into the world of Sergio Colombo (Paolo Villaggio), a middle-aged, middle-management insurance man whose life revolves around comfortable routine and a deep, almost pathological hatred of all things English. He despises the language, the food, the weather, the perceived arrogance – you name it, if it hails from across the Channel, Sergio wants nothing to do with it. This isn't just mild preference; it's volcanic, comical disdain. The setup is classic fish-out-of-water: due to a corporate merger (oh, the 90s!), Sergio's cushy job depends on him not only going to London but successfully navigating a week-long training course... entirely in English.
The premise is simple, but it's fertile ground for Villaggio's particular brand of comedy. Directed by Carlo Vanzina, who, along with his brother Enrico Vanzina (co-writer here), carved a massive niche in Italian popular cinema with breezy, often satirical comedies like Vacanze di Natale, the film knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s not aiming for high art; it's aiming for relatable laughs rooted in cultural clashes and the absurdity of Sergio's predicament.
### London Calling, Sergio Grumbling
The humour largely stems from Sergio's bumbling attempts to survive in London while understanding barely a word. Think less sophisticated satire, more broad, situational comedy. We get gags about misunderstood phrases leading to awkward situations (a recurring theme in fish-out-of-water comedies, done here with Villaggio's trademark exasperation), struggles with baffling British customs (like queuing!), and the sheer sensory overload of a foreign metropolis for someone so stubbornly rooted in his ways. It plays on stereotypes, sure – the reserved Brits vs. the more expressive Italian – but mostly with affectionate silliness rather than malice.
Villaggio is the absolute anchor. While Fantozzi often suffered silently (or not so silently), Sergio Colombo is more proactive in his misery, actively trying (and failing) to game the system, find loopholes, and generally avoid learning a single English phrase. His interactions with his well-meaning but slightly bewildered British minder, played by Ian Price, generate many of the laughs. Paola Quattrini also features as Sergio's long-suffering wife, providing a grounding counterpoint to his escalating panic back home.
Retro Fun Fact: Filming extensively on location in London was key to the Vanzinas' vision. They wanted that authentic contrast between Villaggio's very Italian persona and the iconic, often grey, backdrop of the UK capital. Seeing familiar landmarks through Sergio's perpetually annoyed eyes adds another layer to the comedy. It wasn't a massive budget production, relying more on the script and Villaggio's star power than elaborate set pieces.
### More Than Just Fantozzi Lite?
Does I Don't Speak English transcend its simple premise? Not dramatically, but it doesn't really need to. It's comfortable cinematic territory for Villaggio and the Vanzina brothers. While it lacks the deeper social satire of the best Fantozzi films, it offers a lighter, perhaps more internationally accessible (ironically, given the title!) showcase for Villaggio's talents. His physical comedy remains impeccable – a bewildered shrug, a terrified widening of the eyes, the way he carries himself like a man constantly bracing for impact – it’s all pure Villaggio gold.
Watching it now definitely evokes that specific mid-90s European comedy aesthetic. The fashion is understatedly '90s, the pacing is relaxed, and the humour feels very much of its time – gentle, character-focused, and reliant on performance over rapid-fire editing or gross-out gags. There's a certain earnestness to it, even in its silliness.
Retro Fun Fact: Paolo Villaggio, despite his iconic comedic roles, was also a respected writer and actor in more dramatic parts, showcasing a versatility perhaps less known outside Italy. Films like La voce della luna (directed by Federico Fellini) demonstrated his range. I Don't Speak English allowed him to play closer to his comedic strengths but within a slightly different framework than the Fantozzi universe. The Vanzina brothers were known for tailoring projects specifically for popular Italian comedians, understanding their unique appeal.
### The Verdict: A Charming Relic for Villaggio Fans
I Don't Speak English isn't likely to convert anyone not already charmed by Paolo Villaggio or nostalgic for the specific flavour of 90s European comedies. It's predictable, leans heavily on stereotypes, and the plot is wafer-thin. But honestly? That’s part of its cozy, VHS-era appeal. It does exactly what it says on the tin: provides a vehicle for a beloved comedian to bumble his way through a foreign culture with hilarious results. The laughs are genuine, stemming from Villaggio’s masterful performance and the universally relatable awkwardness of being lost in translation. It captures that feeling of finding a slightly obscure but enjoyable comedy during a weekend video rental trawl.
Rating: 6/10
Justification: The score reflects the film's reliance on Villaggio's star power and a simple, somewhat dated comedic premise. It delivers consistent chuckles and showcases a legendary comedian, making it enjoyable, especially for fans. However, its predictability and lack of deeper substance keep it from reaching classic status. It's a solid, enjoyable slice of 90s Italian comedy, perfect for a nostalgic, low-stakes viewing.
Final Thought: This is the kind of pleasant, unassuming comedy that filled video store shelves back in the day – maybe not a masterpiece, but a reminder that sometimes, watching a master comedian navigate familiar anxieties (even exaggerated ones) is entertainment enough. Worth tracking down if you have a soft spot for Villaggio or 90s Euro-comedy quirks. Just don't expect to improve your English watching it.