Mario Monicelli

Film Director, Master of Commedia all'Italiana, Screenwriter

Born May 16, 1915

Rome, Italy

Passed Away Nov 29, 2010 Rome, Italy

Lifespan 95 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Cinema is a lens through which we smile at our own tragedies so we may endure them."

Archival Overview

Founding master of the Commedia all'italiana genre, whose classics Big Deal on Madonna Street and The Great War combined biting social satire, human tragedy, and laughter.

Biographical Record

Mario Monicelli grew up in Viareggio and Rome, entering film production as an assistant to pioneers like Steno and Pietro Germi. In 1958, he directed 'Big Deal on Madonna Street' (I soliti ignoti), starring Vittorio Gassman and Marcello Mastroianni, which defined the Commedia all'italiana style.

Monicelli's 1959 masterpiece 'The Great War' shared the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award. Known for treating tragic themes through the lens of comedy, he directed over 65 films and received six Oscar nominations over his long and illustrious career.

Key Life Milestones

1958

Big Deal on Madonna Street

Directed the foundational caper comedy that launched Commedia all'italiana and made Marcello Mastroianni and Vittorio Gassman icons.

1959

Golden Lion for The Great War

Won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his tragicomic depiction of Italian soldiers in World War I.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Verano Cemetery
Rome, Italy

                         GPS: 41.9022, 12.5256                    

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