When Breaking Bad meets Ocean’s 11, and is filmed as a zany comedy with the aesthetic of a Michael Bay film, anything is possible! In the case of Smetto Quando Vonglio (I Can Quit Whenever I Want), it all comes down to the chemistry – pun definitely intended.
The preview screening for Palace Electric Cinema’s Italian Film Festival is a film that won Best Comedy at the Italian Golden Globes this year, and was nominated for a cluster of others including Best Film, Best Actor and Best New Director (Sydney Sibilia) – I Can Quit Whenever I Want has already achieved cult classic status in Italy and now gets it turn here in Australia.
Pietro, played by Edoardo Leo, is a university research assistant who finds himself in an all-too-familiar situation. As a victim of the crippling modern economy, jobless and Euro-less he conjures a get-rich-quick scheme involving his extensive chemistry and neurobiology skills to produce and sell ‘legal’ substances with the same general effect of party drugs such as ecstasy or MDMA. He forms a motley crew comprising of former and fellow university colleagues and friends who share the unfortunate circumstances brought on from the economic climate.
Soon they are all on board. Cue the quirky, funny and downright ridiculous scenarios as the crew (or ‘gang’ as they are affectionately referred) brew the best batch in town to become the hottest drug dealers. It’s a very interesting portrayal of Rome, which comes across as some some sort of over-saturated Los Angeles homage. The gang must deal with all the tribulations of a life of crime: dodging police and dodging gangster Muredo – the city’s drug kingpin – which leads to a series of absurd situations they somehow work their way out of.
The script is punchy and witty, never taking itself – or the events the characters find themselves in – too seriously. There are some dynamite one-liners and delivered beautifully by the well-cast actors through their on-screen chemistry.
With a strong ‘fish out of water’ vibe, the academics – ranging from economists to anthropologists – deal with their foray into the seedy drug underworld, the story still explores some deep thematic issues involving friendship, love and ultimately the truth.
I Can Quit Whenever I Want is a light-hearted and fun film despite the drug undertones. It’s just one of a spectacular array of films on offer as Palace Electric Cinema once again puts on a wonderful showcase of cinema ranging across all genres for all ages.
The Lavazza Italian Film Festival begins Tuesday 23 September and runs until Wednesday 15 October. For tickets and more information, visit www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
