A neorealist-infused comedic caper, this film is the cinematic equivalent of a charming, well-intentioned stumble, portraying the poetry of failure with a warm, empathetic grin.
Big Deal on Madonna Street
I soliti ignoti
"The Story of a Perfect Crime ... Perfectly Hilarious!"
Director:
Mario Monicelli
Cast:
Vittorio Gassman, Renato Salvatori, Memmo Carotenuto, Rossana Rory, Carla Gravina
Crime
Comedy
Big Deal on Madonna Street - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
In one scene, a movie poster is visible for the 1957 film "Kean: Genius or Scoundrel" ("Kean - Genio e sregolatezza"). The star of that film, prominently featured on the poster, is Vittorio Gassman, who plays Peppe in "Big Deal on Madonna Street."
This is a self-referential, fourth-wall-breaking joke. It winks at the audience by featuring the film's own star in a poster within the movie's world, adding a layer of meta-humor about Gassman's status as a famous actor playing a down-on-his-luck character.