Everybody Wants to Be Italian ( 2007 )

Everybody Wants to Be Italian (2007): A Comedic Exploration of Identity and Love

Everybody Wants to Be Italian, a 2007 romantic comedy directed by Jason Todd Ipson, offers a lighthearted and often absurd look at cultural identity, romantic fantasies, and the lengths people will go to for love. While not a critically acclaimed masterpiece, the film has garnered a following for its charming characters, quirky humor, and its exploration of the pervasive romanticization of Italian culture, particularly in America. This article delves into the film's plot, characters, themes, reception, and lasting appeal.

Plot Summary

The film centers around Jake Bianski (Jay Jablonski), a likable but somewhat clueless bachelor living in a vibrant Italian-American neighborhood in Salt Lake City. Jake, a Polish-American, works as a butcher and pines for the attention of Isabella Rossi (Marisa Petroro), a beautiful and fiery Italian-American woman who seems perpetually out of his reach. He’s convinced that his Polish heritage is the primary obstacle preventing him from winning her over. Isabella, surrounded by her close-knit Italian family and deeply immersed in her culture, desires a connection with someone who understands and appreciates her heritage.

Desperate to capture Isabella's heart, Jake hatches a scheme, with the somewhat dubious assistance of his best friend, Dominic (John Enos III), to reinvent himself as Jake Bianchi, an Italian charmer with a (completely fabricated) lineage and a newfound appreciation for all things Italian. He adopts a fake accent, begins peppering his conversations with Italian phrases learned from a language tape, and starts to act the part of the passionate, romantic Italian man he believes Isabella desires.

The ruse initially works. Isabella, charmed by Jake Bianchi's apparent Italian heritage and his enthusiastic embrace of her culture, begins to fall for him. He's invited to family dinners, participates in local Italian festivals, and becomes increasingly integrated into Isabella's world. However, maintaining the deception becomes increasingly difficult as Jake struggles to keep his story straight and avoid exposure. The film is filled with humorous situations arising from his increasingly elaborate lies and misunderstandings born from his superficial understanding of Italian culture.

Complicating matters further, Jake finds himself caught between his genuine feelings for Isabella and the guilt of deceiving her and her family. He also faces competition from other suitors, including a truly Italian, albeit somewhat arrogant, man named Aldo (Dino Argento). As Jake’s lies become more complex and the truth threatens to unravel, he must decide whether to confess his true identity and risk losing Isabella or to continue the charade, knowing that the foundation of their relationship is built on a lie.

The climax of the film sees Jake's deception exposed, leading to Isabella's understandable anger and disappointment. He's forced to confront the consequences of his actions and to prove that his feelings for her are genuine, regardless of his (lack of) Italian heritage. Ultimately, the film explores the idea that love transcends cultural boundaries and that true connection is based on honesty and authenticity, not on superficial appearances.

Character Analysis

The characters in Everybody Wants to Be Italian, while somewhat stereotypical, contribute to the film's comedic charm and thematic exploration.

Themes

Everybody Wants to Be Italian explores several key themes:

• Identity and Authenticity: The central conflict revolves around Jake's fabricated Italian identity and the question of whether he can truly connect with Isabella while living a lie. The film questions the importance of cultural heritage in defining one's identity and whether genuine connection can exist based on false pretenses.
• The Romanticization of Italian Culture: The film satirizes the widespread romanticization of Italian culture, particularly in America. Jake's superficial understanding of Italian traditions and his exaggerated persona highlight the often-stereotypical image of Italians in popular culture.
• The Pursuit of Love: Jake's desperate attempt to win over Isabella demonstrates the lengths people will go to for love. However, the film ultimately suggests that true love requires honesty and acceptance of oneself and others.
• The Importance of Family and Community: Isabella's close-knit Italian family and the vibrant Italian-American community in Salt Lake City play a significant role in the film. The film emphasizes the importance of family traditions, cultural heritage, and the support system provided by a strong community.
• Cultural Stereotypes and Misunderstandings: The film utilizes cultural stereotypes for comedic effect, but it also subtly critiques the dangers of relying on stereotypes to understand and interact with different cultures. Jake's assumptions about what Isabella wants based on her Italian heritage lead to numerous misunderstandings.

Humor and Style

Everybody Wants to Be Italian relies heavily on situational comedy and character-based humor. The film's humor stems from Jake's increasingly absurd attempts to maintain his deception, the clash between his fake persona and his true self, and the cultural misunderstandings that arise from his limited knowledge of Italian culture. The film's tone is generally lighthearted and playful, although it also incorporates moments of sincerity and emotional depth.

The film's visual style is straightforward and unpretentious, focusing on capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the Italian-American community and the charm of the characters. The soundtrack features traditional Italian music and contemporary songs that complement the film's themes and comedic tone.

Reception and Critical Response

Everybody Wants to Be Italian received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics generally praised the film's comedic performances and its exploration of cultural identity, but some found the plot predictable and the characters somewhat stereotypical. The film was not a major box office success, but it has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among viewers who appreciate its lighthearted humor and its exploration of Italian-American culture.

Legacy and Lasting Appeal

Despite its mixed critical reception, Everybody Wants to Be Italian continues to resonate with audiences for several reasons. Its exploration of cultural identity and the romanticization of Italian culture remains relevant in a world where cultural stereotypes and misunderstandings are still prevalent. The film's lighthearted humor and charming characters provide an enjoyable and escapist viewing experience. Additionally, the film's message about the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships is timeless and universal.

The film also offers a glimpse into the vibrant Italian-American community and the enduring traditions that have been passed down through generations. While the film's portrayal of Italian-American culture may be somewhat idealized, it also reflects the genuine pride and passion that many Italian-Americans have for their heritage.

Director's Vision and Influences

Jason Todd Ipson, the director of Everybody Wants to Be Italian, crafted a film that draws inspiration from classic romantic comedies while adding a unique cultural twist. It's evident that Ipson aimed to create a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, exploring complex themes within a lighthearted and accessible framework. The film likely takes inspiration from other romantic comedies that feature themes of mistaken identity, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of love. Films such as My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Fools Rush In share similar thematic elements and comedic approaches.

Conclusion

Everybody Wants to Be Italian is a charming and humorous film that explores the complexities of identity, the allure of cultural romanticization, and the lengths people will go to for love. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, its lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and exploration of relevant themes make it a worthwhile viewing experience. The film serves as a reminder that true connection transcends cultural boundaries and that authenticity is essential in building meaningful relationships. It also provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Italian-American culture and the enduring appeal of Italian traditions. Ultimately, Everybody Wants to Be Italian is a feel-good film that celebrates love, laughter, and the importance of being true to oneself.