What? (Che?, also variously titled Quoi?, Was?, and Diary of Forbidden Dreams) is a 1972 comedy film co-written and directed by Roman Polanski and starring Marcello Mastroianni, Sydne Rome, and Hugh Griffith.[2]
| What? | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Roman Polanski |
| Written by | Roman Polanski Gérard Brach |
| Produced by | Carlo Ponti |
| Starring | Marcello Mastroianni Sydne Rome Hugh Griffith Romolo Valli Dieter Hallervorden Carlo delle Piane Mogens von Gadow |
| Cinematography | Marcello Gatti Giuseppe Ruzzolini |
| Edited by | Alastair McIntyre |
| Music by | Claudio Gizzi[1] |
Release date | December 7, 1972 |
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Countries | Italy France Germany |
| Languages | English Italian French |
Plot edit
Set in an unnamed coastal city in Italy, the film tells a story of an American girl, Nancy, who takes shelter in a villa filled with strange guests. There, she gets into a relationship with a retired pimp, Alex.
Cast edit
- Marcello Mastroianni as Alex
- Sydne Rome as Nancy
- Hugh Griffith as Joseph Noblart
- Guido Alberti as Priest
- Gianfranco Piacentini as Tony
- Carlo Delle Piane as Young Oaf #1 in Car
- Mario Bussolino as Young Oaf #2 in Car
- Henning Schlüter as Catone
- Christiane Barry as Dresser
- Pietro Tordi as Man-Servant
- Nerina Montagnani as Chambermaid
- Mogens von Gadow as German
- Dieter Hallervorden as German
- Elisabeth Witte as Baby
- John Karlsen as Edward
- Roger Middleton as Jimmy
- Roman Polanski as Mosquito
- Alvaro Vitali
- Romolo Valli as Giovanni
- Francois Perier as Enzo
- Renate Langer as Naked Girl with Hat (uncredited)
Production edit
In 2017, Renate Langer accused Roman Polanski of raping her in 1972, when she was 15, just before and during the filming of this movie.[3]
Filming edit
The film was shot on location in Amalfi, Italy, in a villa owned by the producer, Carlo Ponti. Some of the action was improvised.[4][5]
Reception edit
John Simon of the National Review described What? as a 'monstrous fiasco'.[6]
References edit
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Composer Claudio Gizzi". Fangoria. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ Vincent Canby (1973-10-04). "Che? (1973) Film: X-Rated Polanski: What?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
- ^ "Former German Actress Accuses Roman Polanski of Raping Her When She Was 15". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ Rabin, Nathan (October 28, 2009). "Polanski-tastic Sick-Fuck Case File #149: What?". The A.V. Club. Onion. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ ""Che?" di Roman Polanski Sydne Rome in un mondo di pazzi". Retrieved 27 August 2013.
- ^ Simon, John (1982). Reverse Angle: A Decade of American Film. Crown Publishers Inc. p. 156. ISBN 9780517544716.
External links edit
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