Riscossa | Fantozzi Alla

Fantozzi alla riscossa is for the converted. It’s a “best-of” compilation more than a new chapter, but when the “best-of” includes Paolo Villaggio screaming at a malfunctioning robot or trying to park a car that disintegrates, it’s still entertaining.

This time, the “riscossa” (the comeback) is a cruel joke: Fantozzi tries to rebel. He quits his job. He buys a car that literally falls apart while he’s driving it. He even attempts to become a writer. Naturally, every attempt at dignity is crushed with sadistic precision. fantozzi alla riscossa

Paolo Villaggio has perfected the character by now. His Fantozzi is no longer just a clumsy fool; he is a tragic, existential hero of failure. The film’s best moments are the quiet ones: the look of utter despair when he realizes his new car’s steering wheel comes off in his hands, or the resigned sigh when his family ignores him. Fantozzi alla riscossa is for the converted