The first time I've heard about this film was by viewing its risqué poster. Nonetheless, the film wasn't so great as I thought it would be. Ferreri is well-known for his controversial films (a la, The Last Women, Bye Bye Monkey); however, this time he presents a more subdued approach to his filming. The film depicts Ben Gazzara in the role of a struggling poet (Charles Bukowski) who has his way with women and booze. Ornella Muti's character, a self-abusive prostitute, has her way with walking around bottomless and using safety pins. However, the acting is second-rate, the poetry is half-witted, and the story feels like a mock version of a Cassavette's film. It looks like Ferreri was trying too hard at rendering an artistic looking picture -- or else a cult film, which it has become. I'd stick with Barfly myself.
Review of Tales of Ordinary Madness
