Marcello Mastroianni: His Life and Art

Mastroianni notes here that during the past 50 years he has been preoccupied with making movies and socializing, primarily with performers and directors. Indeed, the Italian star, who began his career in 1938, has appeared in some 140 films, including such classics as La Dolce Vita and 812. This biography, accordingly, concentrates on his selection of roles, their preparation and performance and their critical reception. Although one agrees with the author's assertion that Mastroianni's fearlessness in taking on so many ``against-type'' roles and his versatility are impressive, the reiteration of the point becomes monotonous. And although Dewey ( Reasonable Doubts ) makes much of Mastroianni's on- and off-screen alliances with glamorous actresses, particularly his affairs with Faye Dunaway and Catherine Deneuve, this, too, becomes tedious. The book, however, holds one's interest whenever Mastroianni discusses the craft of acting and his search for the ideal woman--and he emerges as sensible, droll and sympatico. Photos. (July )