Film Review: The Taming of the Scoundrel (ITA 1980) – Adriano Celentano and Ornella Muti

Content:  In this podcast, we present the 1980 Italian comedy “The Taming of the Scoundrel”, directed by Castellano & Pipolo, starring Adriano Celentano and Ornella Muti.  We outline the plot, which centers on a misanthropic farmer and a sophisticated city woman whose encounter leads to humorous clashes.  We also provide background information, noting the film's success, its loose connection to Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," and the popularity of the directing duo.  Ultimately, we characterize the film as a simple and entertaining comedy, driven by the chemistry and appeal of its lead actors rather than a complex narrative or profound themes.  Plot:   Elia is a farmer who lives secluded in Tuscany. He is extremely unsociable, dislikes the city and society, but above all, he avoids women, whom he views as troublemakers because they disrupt his daily life.  His housekeeper Mamy is the only female person he tolerates on his farm. To make him less hot-tempered, she has repeatedly tried to set Elia up with someone. However, without success.  One evening, during a thunderstorm, the beautiful Lisa from Milan experiences a car breakdown and asks to stay for one night at the farm of the misanthrope. He now has the opportunity to unleash his rude demeanor on her.