THE DECAMERON (Il Decameron) (1971) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Pier Paolo Pasolini

Written by - Pier Paolo Pasolini (based on a novel by Giovanni Boccaccio)

Starring - Franco Citti, Ninetto Davoli

"IL DECAMERON is the first film in PASOLINI's TRILOGY OF LIFE. 

Here, he adapts BOCCACCIO's work, which much like the other two books he would go on to adapt for his other two films in the trilogy, is revered as an essential book in classic literature, but at the time would hardly have been thought to have had such longevity and reputation. Perhaps, this is exactly what drew PASOLINI to it in the first place, in his way of seeing literature and mythology with such a unique and eye openingly infectuous perspective. 

In fact, this adaptation is hardly a faithful adaptation, but rather more openly manipulated to come closer to the filmmaker's own sensibilities and interests, particularly relevant to his search for higher beauty that is simplified and yet all the more honest and beautiful. 

Through this joyous succession of slapstick like episodes, the characters swim through lives that are defined by small events that seem to be driven by one common goal - physical pleasure. Thus, the densely populated universe of PASOLINI's DECAMERON is made up of people who essentially act like teenage kids, far from the representation of the common class of the middle ages. 

The film is hence irreverent, and perhaps the most openly funny film in PASOLINI's whole filmography. Nevertheless, it is also a genuine type of comedy, even at its most obvious and raunchy, as the matter of fact style with which it is shot shows, and in the way in which his figures are portrayed by non professional actors. 

Furthermore, what is absolutely remarkable is that a film that is essentially about physicality and sexuality, its prolific nakedness is neither violent nor offensive despite a times being forward if not downright explicit. The language of the film never aims to offend, but rather be shown as being perfectly a normal and natural answer to a call that is all too often ignored due to silly rules of human nature. 

An exciting first film in an exciting trilogy, that stands out in the amazing filmmography of this unique and inspiring filmmaker."

Comedy, Italy/France/West Germany