(internationally titled The King of Laughter ) is a 2021 biographical drama that explores the life of Eduardo Scarpetta, the legendary Neapolitan actor and playwright. Directed by Mario Martone and starring Toni Servillo, the film focuses on Scarpetta's professional dominance in Belle Époque Naples and the legal turmoil that marked the end of his career. Plot and Major Themes
The film is widely recognized for its high production value and powerful central performance:
Critics generally praise the film's technical brilliance but note its challenging length and complexity: Qui rido io
Critics from Film Threat praised the breathtaking city streets and top-notch performances, calling it a "dazzling and technically brilliant feat".
Scarpetta’s personal life is a "family saga" involving wives, mistresses, and numerous children—both legitimate and illegitimate. Among these are Titina, Eduardo, and Peppino De Filippo, who would go on to become giants of Italian theater themselves. The film portrays Scarpetta as a "father-padrone," a dominant figure who often overshadowed his children’s own aspirations. (internationally titled The King of Laughter ) is
Mario Martone, who has a background in both cinema and opera, uses long shots and ornate set designs to capture the "sacredness" of the theatrical experience in Belle Époque Naples .
At the height of his success, Scarpetta parodies The Daughter of Iorio , a tragedy by Italy's most revered poet of the time, Gabriele D'Annunzio . D’Annunzio sues Scarpetta for plagiarism, leading to Italy's first major copyright trial. This legal battle explores themes of artistic freedom, adaptation, and intellectual property. Scarpetta’s personal life is a "family saga" involving
Reviewers from The Hollywood Reporter describe Servillo’s performance as complex and nuanced, portraying Scarpetta with a "chilling darkness" and self-absorption that affects his family interactions.