For Roseanna Reviews

Let the viewer beware: This grotesque comedy may be set against the lush background of Italy's Lazio region, but it's about as Italian as a can of SpaghettiOs, and twice as tasteless. American actress Mercedes Ruehl stars as Roseanna, a woman living -- and, we are quick to learn, dying -- in the quaint Italian village of Travento. Roseanna's greatest wish is to be buried alongside her dear, departed daughter in the tiny local cemetery. Unfortunately, there are only three plots left, and it's up to Roseanna's adoring husband, Marcello (French actor Jean Reno), to make sure no one else dies before Roseanna's number is up. Marcello spends the entire time running about town, making sure the citizens stay healthy and accident-free, and, during just one of the film's many charming moments, going so far as to hide a corpse in order to prevent its proper burial. Perhaps English director Paul Weiland and his coconspirators thought they were coming up with one of those engaging, rustic comedies filled with colorful "Italian" characters, a la THE SECRET OF SANTA VITTORIA. But what they've actually produced is a horrid little cadaver-comedy -- complete with a bit of schtick that involves pulling the plug on a dying old man -- that makes WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S look like a model of good taste.