I'm not big on romantic comedies, straight or gay. It's easily my least favorite category of movies. But, every once in a while, along comes one that makes me rethink the genre, and filmmakers Alessandro Guida and Matteo Pilati's Mascarpone is very much one of those rare birds. This really is a movie to fall in love with and for me, the biggest part was that was, it was much more than merely a comedy. So much more.
Mascarpone is the story of the new life adventure of a young man, Antonio, who loves to bake. He's obsessed with it and it seems to serve as a distraction from having to notice his marriage is falling apart. Early on, his husband, Lorenzo, wants to divorce him and this sets the stage for a genuine, not always easy, journey of self-discovery.
Single for the first time in his life, and suddenly out on his own, Antonio takes an overpriced room in a beautiful flat rented out by the flamboyant, outrageous, opera loving, and sexually free, addict, Denis, Naturally, an oddball friendship develops that becomes a central part of who Antonio becomes.
The story weaves through Antonio's endearing clumsiness at life, as Denis introduces him to a wider world, eventually convincing a local baker, Luca, to take him on as an apprentice.
So much more happens - romance, sex, friendship, family matters - in this movie, but I find each chapter difficult to discuss without giving away spoilers, gentle though they may be.
The entire cast is an inspired one, with Giancarlo Commare's Antonio as its beautiful, confused and beating heart at the center of it all. As Denis, Eduardo Valdarnini's performance is somewhere between Auntie Mame and a Fairy Godmother - with a twist.
As I earlier stated Mascarpone is much more than a comedy. It is a beautiful movie that explores every emotion, and even touches on tragedy. On the outside it seems frothy like a dessert made with its title cheese, but it really is more of a delicious, beautiful and satisfying meal.
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