Allegro non troppo

Allegro non troppo is a satirical film by Italian director Bruno Bozzetto, released in 1976. The film is inspired by Disney's Fantasia but has a unique twist of dark humor and social commentary. It is a live-action/animated film that combines classical music with irreverent animation.

The film is divided into six animated segments, each one set to a different piece of classical music. Each segment is introduced by a live-action sequence featuring a fictional animator who attempts to create an animated film using a live orchestra but is constantly interrupted by various commercial sponsors.

The first segment, to the tune of Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Debussy, is a humorous parody of the theory of evolution. It shows animals evolving from amoebas to humans in a satirical way that pokes fun at human vanity.

The second segment, based on the Boléro by Ravel, is a witty critique of industrialization and dehumanization. It shows a woman becoming a machine-like worker, gradually losing her humanity and individuality.

The third segment, set to Valse triste by Sibelius, is a parody of the world of ballet. It features a female dancer who becomes enmeshed in a world of bureaucracy, where art is nothing more than a product to be packaged and sold.

The fourth segment, based on the Slavonic Dance No. 7 by Dvořák, is a humorous critique of our desire for power and domination. It shows a group of apes who discover a weapon and soon become consumed by their lust for power, leading to a disaster that destroys their world.

The fifth segment, set to the Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven, is a satire of organized religion. It features a priest who becomes increasingly consumed by the various rituals and trappings of his religion, to the point of losing sight of his true purpose.

The final segment, based on the final movement of Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, is a poignant meditation on human mortality. It shows an old animator and a cat who travel through space and time, reflecting on the meaning of life and death.

Throughout the film, the live-action sequences consistently interrupt the animated segments, reminding viewers of the commercialization and commodification of art. The film is a clever commentary on modern society, and how it has lost touch with the beauty and humanity of art.

One of the most notable aspects of Allegro non troppo is its animation. Bozzetto combines traditional hand-drawn animation with live-action footage in a way that is both technically impressive and artistically unique. The animation is often surreal and absurd, adding to the film's satirical edge.

Overall, Allegro non troppo is a clever and thought-provoking film that uses humor and art to critique modern society. Its combination of classical music and irreverent animation makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in experimental and avant-garde cinema.