Monday 27 June 2016

The Italian Job (1969 Peter Collinson)

Shot from the floor, classic is a dream for Brexiters, with a pre-European England getting away with it and proving to be superior drivers in quintessentially cool and British Mini Coopers, led by cocky Cockney Caine, providing them with the prophetic anthem 'Self Preservation Society'. Very entertaining, ironic script by Troy Kennedy Martin; acting is generally hilarious. (If you haven't been there recently you forget how funny the dialogue is.)

Forget the Mini Coopers, a fine collection of classic cars are about to get pulverized



Fine photography though from Douglas Slocombe (and Norman Warwick heading the second unit), interesting compositions, shot almost entirely in deep focus and using the wide screen superbly. Good blocking of actors and driving stunts by Remy Julienne's team.

With a pleasurable cast including Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Rosanno Brazzi, Margaret Blye, Irene Handl, John le Mesurier, Fred Emney (the one who blocks all the cameras), John Clive (very funny as garage manager), Tony Beckley ('Camp Freddie'). Memorable music from Quincy Jones includes Matt Monroe 'On Days Like These'.

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