Customer Reviews

Tales of Ordinary Madness [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While it's long overdue for Marco Ferreri to receive the prestige treatment of a major box set - especially in America where his films are less known - it's unfortunate that five of the eight films are already available in English subtitled dvds released just a few years ago. But for Ferreri completists, the purchase of this set is mandatory due to the inclusion of THE SEED OF MAN and THE HOUSE OF SMILES - both making their U.S. DVD debut, as well as the first time these two films have been available with English subtitles ANYWHERE. And the black and white feature THE LITTLE COACH will be new for most viewers, since it's only previous U.S. release came over 10 years ago in a marginally released video edition. Also the film's bonus documentary MARCO FERRERI - THE DIRECTOR FROM ANOTHER PLANET - is authoritative and surprisingly comprehensive - with rare tidbits like Ferreri's lifelong diabetes and the attempted (and unsuccessful) suicide of actor David Warner during the shooting of Ferreri's film THE AUDIENCE.

But those with an appetite for more Ferreri after completing this set might want to check out the English subtitled editions of HAREM, LA CAGNA and DILLINGER IS DEAD available at amazon.co.uk. Also, dvd.it provides Italian dvds (without English subtitles) of rarer Ferreri films like THE CONJUGAL BED, THE APE WOMAN, WEDDING MARCH, and DIARY OF A VICE. And the Spanish site dvd.es is a source for Ferreri's STORY OF PIERRA, THE FUTURE IS WOMAN, and his final film NITRATE BASE.

The best films showcasing the world of Charles Bukowski were Barfly, Love Is A Dog From Hell (Crazy Love), and Tales of Ordinary Madness. Although Ben Gazzara resembles Buk, he never captures his sense of life as Mickey Rourke so brilliantly did in Barfly. Still, this moody film is worth seeing -- but only if you are a fan of Charles Bukowski.

A talented aged Russian-Jewish American writer lives as he wishes changing women and drinking vine, unspeakably attractive to females.

A title says it all.

One of the better offerings of the arthouse genre. From my reading, I have noticed that critics have been quite divided in their assessment of this film. Good! It has provided food for thought. I find it honest and heartfelt. Not its least attraction is its exquisite photography. Muti's fallen angel 'Cass' has never been displayed more beautifully and the beach scenes are impeccable. Gazzara is completely believable as the the world-weary poet who neglects his talent in favour of indulging in alcoholic and sexual excess. The poetry he recites is terrific. I hope viewers who enjoy this film are encouraged to read more of Bukowski's work. The film is sensitive, has a solid musical score and captures the spirit of Bukowskis work. A tragicomic delight.

This movie works only if you let your imagination sulk to the very Id of one's being. This is not commonplace material and is only for a limited audience. One needs to understand that madness is more norm than exception, and the beautiful almost lost art of self destruction is just below the surface of many of us.

Marco Ferreri made a devastatingly lyrical, sinister and cruel portrait about the existence of Charles Bukowski, the poet of hopeless, the excesses, the alcohol; the legitimate sex' sybarite into a crude environment of loneliness and disillusion. Ben Gazzara is fabulous in this role as well the divine: Ornella Muti as Cass.

The final sequence in the beach embracing an unknown young girl in a visible childish attitude, dedicating her a free poetry is still haunting even the years, becoming a classic.

The poetry is a God that it doesn't go in the body; and that's why it scatter outside from it, and assumes multiple aspects.

This film tends to sit on the sharp edge between pulp fiction and high art. In this way, it is similar to the experiences of the protagonist Charles Serking who, whilst being capable of producing beautiful poetry, escapes the harsher realities of life through sexual and alcoholic excess. The film is a tragicomic look at the life of an artist. The film is visually very beautiful. Serking's girlfriend Cass played by Ornella Muti has never been photographed more superbly. I love the poetry Serking quotes. Viewers who enjoy this film should also see 'Barfly' and read Bukowski's short story 'The Most Beautiful Girl in Town' on which this film is based.

I just first saw 'Tales Of Ordinary Madness' yesterday. I like this film. At times living through the eyes of Charlie seems gluemy and useless, but I'm constantly fascinated and wondering the outcome. I only brought this film because I'm a hugh fan and LOVE Ornella Muti, but I'm glad I've had the chance to see this film. I recommend this film. And not just because Ornella is in it.Although it does't hurt because Ornella is really good in this film. Ornella is just beautiful as always but her acting always leaves me wanting/craving for more. If your a Ornella Muti fan this should definitely be in your collection. But other than that this film is fascinating but if you havn't seen this film don't expect a uplifting, happy film. This film may not be for every one.
By Justine Ryan

If you like Bukowski, you'll love this movie. If you don't like him, you won't like this movie at all. It's just that simple, folks.

"Style is the answer to everything...To do a dangerous thing with style is what I call art." ~ Charles Bukowski

Bukowski had style. Ferreri has style. This film is an achingly human, drunken odessey inspired by the writings of Bukowski. This is not an adaptation, but captures the essence and complements his works. It shares carnality, a gritty realism, the pain and desperation of being human. It's provocative. It's uncomfortable. It's the underbelly and grimness of life that too often goes unrecognized. Or if acknowledged, you numb it with alcohol; you engage in self-destructive behaviours; you mask it with eroticism; you become a whore of an angel; you write. Whether these actions are to escape yourself or to regain feeling, it is human ~ it is pain ~ it's art if done with style ~ and, it's got soul.