Johnny Stecchino
Sometimes a banana is just a banana!
Overview
Good hearted but not very wordly-wise, Dante is happy driving the school bus for a group of mentally handicapped children, while feeling he is somehow missing out on life and love. So he is very excited when after nearly being knocked down by her car he meets Maria, who seems immediately enamoured of him. He is soon invited to her sumptuous Palermo villa, little suspecting that this is part of a plot. He bears an amazing likeness to Maria's stool-pigeon gangster husband and it would be convenient for them if the mobster, in the shape of Dante, was seen to be dead and buried.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Johnny Stecchino is set against the backdrop of post-unification Italy, providing a critique of the societal issues prevalent during that time.
- Johnny Stecchino offers a unique blend of dark comedy and social satire, making it an engaging watch for audiences who appreciate nuanced humor.
- The film's compelling plot revolves around the complex relationship between its characters, adding depth to the storyline.
- Directed by renowned Italian filmmaker Roberto Benigni, Johnny Stecchino showcases his signature style of physical comedy and emotional intensity.
- The movie tackles themes such as poverty, corruption, and the human condition, offering food for thought beyond mere entertainment.
Fun Facts
- Roberto Benigni wrote, directed, and starred in Johnny Stecchino, marking his third successful collaboration with Vincenzo Cerami after Life is Beautiful and The Monster.
- The character of 'Johnny' was inspired by a real-life incident where Benigni accidentally hit a man while driving and felt guilty about it.
- During the film's production, Roberto Benigni broke his leg during a stunt scene but continued working despite the injury.