Mambo Italiano

When scenes are deleted there is generally a good reason. If you don't believe me, watch these. The extended scenes are just as bad, only longer. Tiresome is the only word. It's an equally appropriate description of the out-takes.

The Working on Mambo Italiano - Cast and Crew Interviews featurette is truly revelatory. The first draft of the screenplay was far too long and they thought it sucked. Then they rewrote it. The new version was great. Everyone felt lots of emotions when they read the great new script. This made them want to be in it. They all had so much fun on set. It was a wonderful experience. Nino and Angelo aren't really gay, but they think gay people are great. The producer sensibly opts for gushing over the play it was adapted from and omits to comment on the finished film. The writer attempts to justify his decision to milk every Italian stereotype going in lieu of creating characters with some semblance of genuine humanity. They show clips which remind you just how many gimmicky editing techniques are employed and just how colour-blind the set designer is. You wonder why you are still watching this when the kitchen floor needs a good scrub.

On the plus side, there's a good half hour's worth of special features here. On the down side, there's a good half hour's worth of special features here.