Date: 01 October 2008 11:50:57
Another movie from the Italian Film Festival last night, the 1965 film Il Magnifico Cornuto [The Magnificent Cuckold].
I found this an utterly wonderful comedy: it is over-the-top, crazy and a whole lot of fun -- while also touching on the issue of projection of one's own transgressions. It concerns a businessman in the hat industry, Andrea, who is unfaithful to his wife. After this encounter, he begins to suspect his wife, Maria Grazia, of straying, and then manages to convince himself that she has, with him not only going mad with the questioning but also him having some rather amazing and entertaining daydreams of her cheating ways. Superbly acted by all involved, particularly the two leads, Ugo Tognazzi and Claudia Cardinale, and a great deal of fun. Still very funny after over 40 years, and there were also some unintentionally funny moments: the style of dancing at that time in particular [the style where legs are still and the upper-body moves; don't know the name sorry!] -- it looked rather dated, and had the cinema remaining in stitches.
Before the movie, I went to the Piazza at Leichhardt, an area known for its Italian restaurants, and after considering a quick pizza decided I'd try the Moroccan restaurant, Sahara [they don't mention the Leichhardt restaurant there, but the menu was the same]. Superb. Absolutely superb. I am generally not very good with "flavoursome" food: I am rather plain. I cannot handle chillis, and the spices in much of Indian cooking upsets my poor stomach. But Moroccan....mmm. It has been a while since I have had Moroccan [at Manly last time], and I am glad I had it last night.
I had the Bastilla for an entrée [American readers: I mean it in the original French term of starter; not the main meal as you refer to it: I will confess on my first visit to the US I ordered an entrée size, and was rather shocked at the size I got!]: filo pastry filled with almond, chicken flavoured with cinnamon, orange blossom, served with orange saffron sauce. Delicious and more-ish. The waiter, an extremely personable chap, told me children often have this for dessert, given its sweetness. I could eat it every day. For my main I had Moorish Brochettes, marinated lamb back strap in garlic olive oil & Moroccan spices, char grilled and served with garden vegies. The flavours and aromas were simply mouth-watering: absolutely delicious. Add to this a friendly waiter and pleasant surrounds, and I had a great meal. I'll be heading back there soon.