Down the Ancient Stairs

A preoccupation with female nudity may make this seem like a typical lightweight Italian sex comedy of the 70s, but under the surface there is more going on than you expect. The sane characters are quite nuanced and manage to strike up some interesting discussions. The story is based on the award-winning novel by ex-psychiatrist Mario Tobino and contains an autobiographical element which lends honesty and depth to a slightly barmy scenario. A multi-faceted film which rewards further viewings.

Not a bad film, but perhaps one that aimed higher than it hit. There are a lot of ideas that could have been explored to their fulfillment, but seem to be discarded as soon as they arise. The rich, sensual dinner scenes are probably the best, where in the rest of the film there is a lack of aesthetic unity. Mastroianni's character is similarly underdeveloped, and all this points mostly to poor writing, despite the rich subject matter.

The best philosophising about psychology is done naked