Dino Risi, born in Milan in 1916, was a pivotal figure in Italian cinema, known for his sharp wit and keen social commentary. He directed The Dolls (1965), a film that showcases his ability to blend comedy with deeper themes, and also helmed The Prophet (1968), demonstrating his versatility as both writer and director. Risi's work, including his contributions to Fast and Sexy (1958), reflects the vibrant style of Commedia all'italiana, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and influencing generations of filmmakers.
The Dolls
Four different facets of love Italian-style provide the basis of this episodic film. The vignettes are “The Phone,” about a woman so busy talking on the phone that she fails to notice that her husband is having sex with a neighbor; “Treatise on Eugenics,” the chronicle of a Swedish girl’s search for the perfect sire; “The Soup,” about a wife’s attempts to get rid of her husband’s corpse; and “Monsignor Cupid,” which follows the attempts of a concierge to seduce a handsome young man. The four vignettes—The Telephone Call (La telefonata), Treatise on Eugenics (Il trattato di eugenetica), The Soup (La minestra), and Monsignor Cupid (Monsignor Cupido)—concern secrets of love and secret lovers. The fourth segment is based on a tale of Boccaccio's The Decameron.
