The King of Laughter

Author and actor Eduardo de Filippo (1900-1984) is seen as one of the major Italian artists of the 20th century. He plays a big role in The King of Laughter, even if it takes a while to find out exactly what this role is; the relationships within the extensive theatrical clan of patriarch Eduardo Scarpetta, the ‘king’ from the title, are labyrinthine.

Scarpetta, brilliantly portrayed by acting giant Toni Servillo, was the most important writer and director in the theatre of Naples around the turn of the last century, pleasing a wide audience with his farces and parodies. A major focus of the film is the famous court case against Scarpetta, instigated by the conceited poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

This hot-blooded biopic, made with a clear love for the theatre, does justice to both Scarpetta’s strong and less attractive sides, as well as revealing the emergence of new talent. Blood is thicker than water, as you will see if you keep a close eye on the credits.