Italy should make more rom-coms.
They can’t make the big-budget adventure movies because they don’t have the money, but they have a surprisingly under-tapped resource that they should be making use of. And why don’t they?
The astonishing bounty of good-looking Italians is, to put it mildly, underused. The reason is unclear to me, but this could and should change. Hollywood may always be the home of the blockbuster action and adventure movie, but Italy could be the king of the romantic comedy.
Here’s my idea for a remake; I offer it to Italian filmmakers free of charge. Make it, please, someone, because I want to watch it.
Quando Enrico Ha Conosciuto Salvatrice (When Harry Met Sally)
The American version stars Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby and is the very funny and romantic story centering around Harry (Crystal) and Sally (Ryan).
Harry and Sally have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they worry that sex would ruin their friendship. It’s one of the most enduring and beloved American rom-coms and would be perfect with an Italian cast.
The action in the original When Harry Met Sally is set in New York City, so let’s make Quando Enrico Ha Cononsciuto Salvatrice in Roma; the famous fake orgasm scene can be remade on at a cute little trattoria in Trastevere.
Here’s my idea for the cast:
Isabella Ragonese and Michele Riondino can play the supporting characters, Marie and Jess, originally played by Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby. Isabella and Michele were adorable together in Dieci Inverni and the chemistry is proven. Plus, they are good actors for a good movie.
There are lots of choices for the part of Harry, but you really don’t want a guy that is too pretty. I’d choose someone who can be funny and has a little bit of an edge so I’m going with Filippo Timi. Timi was hilarious as Che Guevara in Missione di Pace and will be great as the sometimes grumpy Harry.
The American Sally, Meg Ryan, is a little bit younger and more innocent and positive than Harry; I’m thinking Cristiana Capotondi. She’s cute as a button and proved her acting in Ivan Cotroneo’s Kryptonite Nella Borsa.
Attention Italian filmmakers: This is the answer to all of your problems.
You’re welcome.
I Love Italian Everything 