Humor and Drama Under Sicilian Skies

Read Time:4 Minute, 2 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Jessica
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Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Year Released: 1962, 2024 Imprint Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Jean Negulesco, Oreste Palella
Writer(s): Flora Sandstrom, Edith Sommer
Cast: Maurice Chevalier, Angie Dickinson, Noël-Noël, Gabriele Ferzetti, Sylva Koscina, Agnes Moorehead
Where To Watch: available here: www.viavision.com.au

RAVING REVIEW: JESSICA is a light-hearted narrative set across lush Sicilian landscapes. It picks up where other romantic comedies of the time reset the bar by infusing it with subtle yet potent examinations of gender roles and societal dynamics. Angie Dickinson stars as the American midwife Jessica, whose arrival in a tranquil village sets off a chain of events that rattle the established community. The film cleverly intertwines humor with pointed social critiques, presenting a series of interactions that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.

The film, directed by Jean Negulesco and Oreste Palella, balances endearing humor and astute commentary on perceived norms. Dickinson embodies her role with a graceful complexity, painting her character as an innocent outsider and a catalyst for change. She inadvertently sparks a local rebellion as the village women, led by the formidable Maria (Agnes Moorehead), initiate a strike that challenges their husbands' fixations and stirs the social pot.

However, JESSICA struggles with meandering subplots, occasionally muddling the main storyline. The richness of the village's various characters sometimes distracts from the central themes. Maurice Chevalier’s portrayal of a singing priest, Father Antonio, introduces an amusing but somewhat out-of-place musical element to the story, demonstrating the film’s lighter take on its deeper themes.

The film’s portrayal of traditional Sicilian life, from rolling fields to festive gatherings like a classic Italian wedding, is critical in grounding the story’s fantastical elements. This backdrop serves as a setting and a vital component of the narrative, enhancing the dramatic upheavals and lending gravity to the comedic escapades.

The ensemble cast, featuring Sylva Koscina as Nunzia, enhances the depth of the film, providing a broad spectrum of village life and responses that add layers to the unfolding drama. Their performances, especially Moorehead’s, are crucial in delivering a credible backdrop to the comedic yet challenging revolution they spearhead.

Despite its charm, JESSICA occasionally stumbles with humor that may feel misplaced in today’s context, particularly its lighter approach to domestic struggles, which might not resonate as intended. Moreover, the romantic subplot involving Dickinson and a local landowner lacks the necessary development, with his sporadic appearances leaving their burgeoning relationship feeling underexplored.

Nevertheless, JESSICA navigates beyond the confines of its genre, crafting a narrative that’s as much about individual autonomy and empowerment as it is about romantic liaisons. Dickinson’s performance challenges conventional portrayals of women, positioning her character as a progressive force in a traditionally conservative milieu.

JESSICA is a film that offers more than just laughs and romance. It invites its audience to reflect on complex themes of power, autonomy, and changes in the world, all set against the picturesque backdrop. This blend of drama, humor, and cultural commentary makes it a compelling watch for ardent cinema fans and casual viewers. Angie Dickinson anchors the film with a presence that is both engaging and powerful, steering the story through its multifaceted narrative landscape.

Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a NEW 2K scan of the original camera negative by Imprint Films
NEW Audio Commentary by screenwriter/film historian C. Courtney Joyner (2024)
“Angie Dickinson: Looking Back” – In-depth interview with actress Angie Dickinson
Audio English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles
Limited Edition Slipcase

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[photo courtesy of VIA VISION, IMPRINT FILMS]

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