Il pap occhio ( 1980 )

Il Pap'occhio: A Controversial Comedy Masterpiece

Il Pap'occhio, released in 1980, is a highly controversial Italian comedy film directed by Renzo Arbore. It's a film that continues to spark debate and raise eyebrows even decades after its release. Its satirical take on the Catholic Church, particularly the Vatican, caused an immediate uproar, resulting in bans and accusations of blasphemy. While some criticize its vulgarity and perceived lack of respect, others hail it as a daring and intelligent commentary on faith, power, and societal hypocrisy. This article explores the film's plot, its reception, the controversies it ignited, its key themes, and its lasting impact on Italian cinema.

Plot Summary: A Carnival of the Absurd

The film revolves around Renzo Arbore, playing a fictionalized version of himself, a television director. He receives a peculiar phone call from a mysterious voice claiming to be God. God tasks Arbore with organizing a televised variety show from inside the Vatican, aiming to bring the Church into the modern age and appeal to a wider audience. Arbore, along with his eccentric crew, including Roberto Benigni (as himself), sets out to fulfill this divine mission.

The movie unfolds as a series of absurd and often irreverent sketches and musical numbers. These segments satirize various aspects of the Church, including its rituals, dogmas, and perceived detachment from the real world. We see nuns dancing to rock music, priests engaging in bizarre contests, and a general atmosphere of chaos and irreverence within the supposedly sacred walls of the Vatican.

Benigni's character adds a layer of manic energy to the film. He delivers improvised monologues, often bordering on blasphemy, and participates in outlandish situations that further challenge the Church's authority. The film culminates in a chaotic and surreal Pap'occhio (literally Pope's eye), a bizarre spectacle intended to be the grand finale of Arbore's television show.

Cast and Characters

Reception and Controversy

Il Pap'occhio was immediately met with strong reactions. The Vatican condemned the film as blasphemous and sacrilegious. Catholic organizations protested against its release, and several cinemas refused to screen it. The film was even banned in some regions of Italy. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy, Il Pap'occhio attracted a large audience. Its provocative nature became a major talking point, and it fueled a national debate about freedom of expression and the role of the Church in Italian society.

Critical opinions were divided. Some critics praised Arbore's courage in tackling such a sensitive subject and lauded the film's satirical wit. They argued that Il Pap'occhio was a necessary critique of institutional hypocrisy and religious dogmatism. Others criticized the film for its vulgarity, incoherence, and perceived lack of respect for religious beliefs. They argued that its humor was often crude and that it relied on shock value rather than genuine satire.

The controversy surrounding Il Pap'occhio ultimately contributed to its notoriety and cemented its place in Italian film history. It became a symbol of artistic freedom and a reminder of the power of cinema to challenge societal norms.

Key Themes: Faith, Power, and Hypocrisy

Several key themes run through Il Pap'occhio:

• Satire of the Catholic Church: The film's primary aim is to satirize the Catholic Church, its institutions, and its practices. It pokes fun at the pomp and ceremony surrounding the Vatican, highlighting the perceived disconnect between the Church's teachings and its actions.
• Religious Hypocrisy: The film explores the theme of religious hypocrisy, suggesting that those in positions of power within the Church often fail to live up to the ideals they preach. It portrays priests and nuns as flawed individuals, prone to the same human weaknesses as everyone else.
• The Clash Between Tradition and Modernity: Il Pap'occhio depicts a clash between traditional religious values and the forces of modernity. Arbore's attempt to modernize the Church through television represents a desire to bridge the gap between the past and the present, but his efforts are met with resistance and chaos.
• Freedom of Expression: The film's controversy highlights the importance of freedom of expression and the right to challenge established institutions. The backlash against Il Pap'occhio underscores the limitations placed on artistic freedom in a society where religious beliefs hold significant sway.
• The Absurdity of Belief: The film subtly questions the nature of belief itself. By presenting religious figures and events in an absurd and comical light, it invites viewers to question the rationality and logic behind religious dogma.

Controversies in Detail

The film's controversial nature stemmed from several specific scenes and elements:

• Mariangela Melato's Appearance: The appearance of actress Mariangela Melato as a prostitute inside Vatican City was particularly scandalous. This scene was seen as a direct affront to the Church's moral authority and a symbol of the desecration of a sacred space. The scene also featured a musical number featuring the prostitute and the santo subito cry, directed towards dead people still living, thus adding to the controversy.
• Benigni's Blasphemous Humor: Roberto Benigni's improvisational monologues and irreverent antics were considered by many to be blasphemous. His jokes often targeted core religious beliefs and figures, pushing the boundaries of acceptable humor.
• The Pap'occhio Spectacle: The film's climactic Pap'occhio spectacle, a bizarre and chaotic variety show, was seen as a mockery of religious ceremonies and rituals. Its over-the-top nature and irreverent tone offended many viewers.
• The Portrayal of Religious Figures: The film's portrayal of priests, nuns, and other religious figures as flawed and fallible individuals was seen as disrespectful and undermining of their authority.

Analysis of Specific Scenes

Arbore's Directorial Style and Influences

Renzo Arbore's directorial style in Il Pap'occhio is characterized by its improvisational nature, its reliance on comedic sketches, and its use of non-narrative storytelling techniques. He draws inspiration from various sources, including:

• Italian Commedia dell'Arte: The film's use of stock characters, physical humor, and improvisational dialogue echoes the traditions of Italian Commedia dell'Arte.
• Surrealism: The film's surreal imagery and dreamlike sequences reflect the influence of surrealist art and cinema.
• Satirical Television: Arbore's background in television informs his use of comedic sketches and musical numbers to deliver satirical commentary.
• Fellini-esque style: It is possible to see Fellini influence especially in the circus-like scenes with many characters, and the use of grotesque figures.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

Il Pap'occhio remains a controversial and influential film in Italian cinema. Its legacy includes:

• A Symbol of Artistic Freedom: The film became a symbol of artistic freedom and the right to challenge established institutions, especially religious ones.
• A Catalyst for Debate: It sparked a national debate about freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and the role of the Church in Italian society.
• An Influence on Italian Comedy: Its irreverent humor and satirical approach influenced subsequent generations of Italian comedians and filmmakers.
• A Cult Classic: Despite its controversy, Il Pap'occhio has gained a cult following over the years, and it continues to be screened and discussed by film enthusiasts.
• Challenge to the Status Quo: It proved that even powerful institutions like the Catholic Church could be subjected to comedic scrutiny.

Conclusion: A Provocative and Enduring Work

Il Pap'occhio is a film that is difficult to ignore. Its controversial nature, its satirical wit, and its exploration of complex themes continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you view it as a blasphemous insult or a daring masterpiece, there's no denying its impact on Italian cinema and its enduring legacy as a provocative and thought-provoking work.