“A feast of a film…. It’s a dazzling and technically brilliant feat,
the work of an ambitious, experienced and passionate director. “
— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
“An impeccably made period drama superbly conjuring up the atmosphere of the era. Indeed, the craft on show is extremely impressive…In many ways, Scarpetta’s life was more extraordinary than any play, spawning a theatrical dynasty and leaving a lasting legacy. Mario Martone’s film manages to capture this in all its glory. “
— Rob Aldam, Backseat Mafia
“Mario Martone’s big, brash, garishly frosted celebration cake of a biopic…
Everyone involved seems to be having the very best of times,
tumbling onto screen with…breathless energy”
— Guy Lodge, Variety
FROM ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR MARIO MARTONE
COMES A LAVISH PERIOD DRAMA AND VENICE GOLDEN LION NOMINEE FOLLOWING ECCENTRIC NEAPOLITAON
THEATER ICON EDUARDO SCARPETTA
THE KING OF LAUGHTER
Street Date: February 14, 2023
DVD/Digital: $29.95
Nominated for 26 International Awards and Winner of 14, Including
Best Actor for Toni Servillo at Venice and Best Costume Design at Italy’s
2022 David di Donatello Awards, the DVD Includes the Bonus Short,
La Smorfia
SYNOPSIS
At the beginning of the 20th century, in Belle Époque Naples, theatres and the cinema were thriving and the great comic actor Eduardo Scarpetta is the box office king. Known in the Neapolitan theater for his cheeky alter egos, Scarpetta’s larger-than-life stage productions were matched only by his eccentric personal life. Composed of wives, partners, lovers, legitimate and illegitimate children (including a young Eduardo De Filippo, famed Neapolitan playwright), Scarpetta’s home situation resembled one of his comedies more than a traditional family. In 1904, at the height of his popularity, the comedian risked everything by staging a parody of the great Italian poet, Gabriele D’Annunzio. Booed and hissed from the stage by younger rivals, Scarpetta was sued for plagiarism, leading to the first ever copyright lawsuit in Italy. Despite the draining years of legal troubles and familial strife, Scarpetta fought not only for his craft but for his legacy as one of the great thespians of Italian theater.
THE KING OF LAUGHTER was nominated for 26 international awards, including the 2021 Venice Golden Lion for Best Film, and captured 14, including the Best Actor Award for Toni Servillo at Venice and Best Costume Design at Italy’s 2022 David di Donatello Awards, as well as Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography and Best Film at the 2021 Golden Ciak Awards.
BONUS FEATURE
- Bonus Short Film — La Smorfia (Directed by Emanuele Palamara | Italian with English subtitles | 14 minutes) — Carmine, a popular Neapolitan singer, is left disfigured and confined to a wheelchair after a tragic accident. He longs to return to the stage, but when his doting sister stands in the way he devises a treacherous plan.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Type: DVD/Digital (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu)
Genre: World Cinema/Drama
Running Time: 133 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital & 2.0 Stereo
Language: Italian with English Subtitles
