Our Italian Husband (2004)

Our Italian Husband Poster
Original Title: Mariti in affitto

When Vincenzo Scocozza , an Italian immigrant sculptor living and working in Manhattan, weds the expectant Charlene Taylor, it over complicates his life for he is already married

Film Overview
"Our Italian Husband" is a comedic drama released in 2004, directed by Ilaria Borrelli. The film is a cross-cultural narrative that explores the intricacies and typically humorous circumstances developing from the entangled lives of its characters. Starring Brooke Shields, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and Chevy Chase, the film dives into styles of love, marriage, and the absurdities that can derive from misconceptions and cultural differences.

Plot Summary
The plot centers around 2 ladies, Maria Scocozza (played by Maria Grazia Cucinotta), an Italian lady living in the small Italian town of Castello Ladro, and Charlene Taylor (played by Brooke Shields), an American lady living in New York City. Both ladies are wed to the exact same male, Vincenzo Scocozza (played by Pierfrancesco Favino), an Italian immigrant aiming to make his dream of ending up being an artist in America a truth. Unbeknownst to each other, Maria and Charlene are partners of the very same male, producing a complex triangle of deception.

Their worlds clash when Maria, fed up with Vincenzo's carelessness and absence of communication, decides to take a trip to New York with her 3 kids to discover him. Upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that her hubby is leading a double life. The story unfolds as Maria and Charlene face their circumstance, at first being enemies however eventually building an unforeseen friendship as they navigate their shared circumstance.

Character Dynamics
The film grows on the chemistry and dynamics in between its protagonist. Maria is portrayed as strong-willed and figured out, supplying her character with a perky nature that contrasts with Charlene's naiveté and disappointment over her marital confusion. Vincenzo, caught in between two lives, is portrayed as an affable yet indecisive dreamer, whose artistic ambitions lead him to overlook his duties.

Chevy Chase plays the role of a high-strung television executive, who includes comical relief to the disorderly intricacies of the movie. His character uses guidance to Maria as she becomes embroiled in Vincenzo's American way of life, adding another layer of depth to the movie's expedition of differing cultural worth systems.

Styles and Cultural Context
"Our Italian Husband" offers a light-hearted yet insightful commentary on multiculturalism and the immigrant experience. The film humorously catches the obstacles of adapting to a foreign culture while maintaining one's heritage. By presenting the female characters as vessels of durability and flexibility, it tackles styles of self-reliance and female empowerment.

The cross-cultural comical components are enhanced through language barriers and cultural misconceptions, with the filmmakers cleverly using these to develop tension and comedic scenarios. This also sheds light on the individual battles faced by immigrants as they balance their duo-cultural identities.

Conclusion
Eventually, "Our Italian Husband" is a lovely narrative about identity, household, and the lengths one will go to discover individual joy. It assesses the unpredictability of love and relationships, using an amusing yet poignant peek into the lives of its characters. With its blend of humor, drama, and cultural expedition, the film produces a delightful viewing experience, advising audiences of the universal difficulties and joys of familial ties across various cultural landscapes.

Top Cast

  • Maria Grazia Cucinotta (small)
    Maria Grazia Cucinotta
    Maria Scocozza
  • Pierfrancesco Favino (small)
    Pierfrancesco Favino
    Vincenzo Scocozza
  • Brooke Shields (small)
    Brooke Shields
    Charlene Taylor
  • Chevy Chase (small)
    Chevy Chase
    Paul Parmesan
  • Diego Serrano (small)
    Diego Serrano
    Raul
  • Franco Javarone (small)
    Franco Javarone
    Don Peppino
  • Giovanni Rienzo (small)
    Giovanni Rienzo
    garzone di Don Peppino
  • James Falzone
    Ciro Scocozza
  • Lauren Martin
    Lucetta Scocozza
  • Jillian Stacom
    Bibi Taylor
  • Regina Senatore
    madre di Vincenzo