Edwige Fenech is one of the most famous and influential actresses of Italian cinema. She rose to fame in the 1970s with her roles in comedy, erotic, and thriller films. She captivated the audiences with her beauty, charm, and versatility. In this blog post, we will explore how Edwige Fenech embraced her seductive allure and embodied the iconic characters of the 1970s.
Edwige Fenech: A Brief Biography
Edwige Fenech was born on December 24, 1948 in Bône, French Algeria (now Annaba, Algeria) to a Maltese father and an Italian mother. She moved to France with her family when she was five years old, and later to Italy when she was 18. She started her career as a model and a beauty pageant contestant, winning several titles such as Miss Mannequin de la Côte d'Azur and Miss France Cinema.
She made her film debut in 1967 with a small role in All Mad About Him, a comedy directed by Marcello Fondato. She then appeared in several other films, mostly comedies and musicals, such as The Blonde from Peking, Samoa, Queen of the Jungle, and The Seducers. She also starred in some international productions, such as The Girl with a Pistol, a British-Italian comedy nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and The Five Man Army, a Western co-starring Peter Graves and Bud Spencer.
However, it was in the early 1970s that Edwige Fenech became a household name in Italy and abroad with her roles in two popular genres: commedia sexy all'italiana (Italian sex comedy) and giallo (Italian thriller). She worked with some of the most renowned directors and actors of the time, such as Sergio Martino, Luciano Martino, Umberto Lenzi, Carlo Ponti, Alberto Sordi, Renzo Montagnani, Lino Banfi, Barbara Bouchet, George Hilton, and many others. She also produced some of her own films through her company Fenix Film.
Edwige Fenech retired from acting in 1983 to focus on her family and other interests. She married Italian producer Luciano Martino in 1971 and divorced him in 1980. She then had a relationship with Italian politician Enrico Montesano from 1980 to 1984. She has a son named Edwin Fenech, who is now a film executive at Netflix. She also has a passion for painting and has exhibited some of her works in various galleries.
In recent years, Edwige Fenech has made some comeback appearances in films such as The Merchant of Venice, Hostel: Part II, and The Mother of Tears. She has also received several awards and honors for her contribution to cinema and culture, such as the Golden Graal Award for Best Actress in Comedy Film in 2006, the David di Donatello Special Award in 2018, and the Legion of Honour from France in 2019.
Edwige Fenech: The Queen of Commedia Sexy All'Italiana
Commedia sexy all'italiana, or Italian sex comedy, is a genre of film that emerged in Italy in the late 1960s and flourished in the 1970s. It is characterized by a mix of humor, eroticism, satire, and social commentary. The films often feature attractive and scantily clad women, who are involved in various sexual escapades and misunderstandings with men, usually played by popular comedians. The films also reflect the changes and challenges of Italian society and culture at the time, such as feminism, sexual liberation, consumerism, corruption, and political instability.
Edwige Fenech is widely regarded as the queen of commedia sexy all'italiana, as she starred in more than 30 films of this genre between 1970 and 1981. She worked with some of the most prolific directors and writers of the genre, such as Sergio Martino, Luciano Martino, Mariano Laurenti, Franco Castellano, Giuseppe Moccia, Bruno Corbucci, and Mario Amendola. She also collaborated with some of the most famous actors and comedians of the genre, such as Renzo Montagnani, Lino Banfi, Alvaro Vitali, Carlo Giuffrè, Pippo Franco, Enrico Montesano, and many others.
Some of the most popular and successful films of Edwige Fenech in commedia sexy all'italiana are:
- Ubalda, All Naked and Warm (1972): A medieval comedy directed by Mariano Laurenti, based on the play The Mandrake by Niccolò Machiavelli. Edwige Fenech plays Ubalda, a beautiful and horny wife of a rich merchant (Renzo Montagnani), who falls in love with a young soldier (Pippo Franco) and tries to seduce him with the help of a cunning friar (Lino Banfi).
- Giovannona Long-Thigh (1973): A political satire directed by Sergio Martino, based on the novel The Telephone Call by Lucio Mastronardi. Edwige Fenech plays Giovannona Coscialunga (Long-Thigh), a sexy secretary of a corrupt politician (Renzo Montagnani), who uses her charms to manipulate and blackmail various men for her boss's benefit.
- The School Teacher (1975): A school comedy directed by Nando Cicero, based on the novel The Schoolmistress by Piero Chiara. Edwige Fenech plays Luisa De Dominicis, a young and attractive teacher who arrives in a small town to teach at an all-boys school. She soon becomes the object of desire and fantasy of her students, colleagues, and townspeople.
- The Virgo, the Taurus and the Capricorn (1977): A family comedy directed by Luciano Martino, based on the play The Family Reunion by Aldo De Benedetti. Edwige Fenech plays Giovanna Bonocore (the Virgo), a wealthy widow who inherits a fortune from her late husband. She decides to remarry with a young engineer (Alberto Lionello), but she has to deal with his greedy relatives (Renzo Montagnani, Alvaro Vitali) and his ex-girlfriend (Olga Bisera).
- The Nurse in the Military Madhouse (1979): A military comedy directed by Mariano Laurenti, based on the play The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux. Edwige Fenech plays Elena Antinori (the Nurse), a beautiful and kind nurse who works at a military hospital. She falls in love with a young soldier (Renato Pozzetto), who is involved in a plot to overthrow a dictator (Lino Banfi).
- Policewoman in New York (1981): A crime comedy directed by Michele Massimo Tarantini, based on the novel The Policewoman by Mario Amendola. Edwige Fenech plays Gianna Amicucci (the Policewoman), a brave and smart policewoman who is sent to New York to escort a mafia boss (Aldo Maccione) back to Italy. She has to face various dangers and adventures in the Big Apple, with the help of a clumsy FBI agent (Alvaro Vitali).
Edwige Fenech's performances in commedia sexy all'italiana are remarkable for their versatility, charisma, and humor. She can play different types of characters, from the innocent and naive to the cunning and seductive, from the sophisticated and elegant to the vulgar and outrageous. She can also display a great sense of comic timing, facial expressions, and body language. She can make the audience laugh, cry, and desire her at the same time.
Edwige Fenech's films in commedia sexy all'italiana are also notable for their social and cultural relevance. They offer a glimpse into the Italian society and culture of the 1970s, with its contradictions, conflicts, and changes. They also challenge some of the stereotypes and prejudices about women, sexuality, and gender roles. They show that women can be independent, intelligent, and powerful, as well as attractive, sensual, and playful.
Edwige Fenech: The Muse of Giallo
Giallo, or Italian thriller, is a genre of film that originated in Italy in the late 1960s and peaked in the 1970s. It is characterized by a blend of mystery, horror, suspense, and eroticism. The films often feature a masked or unseen killer, who stalks and murders a series of victims, usually young and attractive women. The films also feature elaborate and gruesome death scenes, stylish cinematography, and haunting music. The term giallo comes from the yellow covers of the pulp novels that inspired the genre.
Edwige Fenech is widely regarded as the muse of giallo, as she starred in more than 10 films of this genre between 1970 and 1976. She worked with some of the most acclaimed directors and writers of the genre, such as Sergio Martino, Luciano Martino, Ernesto Gastaldi, Umberto Lenzi, Dario Argento, and Giuliano Carnimeo. She also collaborated with some of the most talented actors and actresses of the genre, such as George Hilton, Ivan Rassimov, Barbara Bouchet, Anita Strindberg, Nieves Navarro, and many others.
Some of the most popular and influential films of Edwige Fenech in giallo are:
- The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (1971): A psychological thriller directed by Sergio Martino, based on the novel The Cat's Eye by Edgar Wallace. Edwige Fenech plays Julie Wardh (Mrs. Wardh), a wealthy and troubled woman who is tormented by her past relationship with a sadistic lover (Ivan Rassimov). She becomes involved in a series of murders that seem to be connected to her ex-lover, her husband (Alberto de Mendoza), and her new lover (George Hilton).
- Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972): A Gothic thriller directed by Sergio Martino, based on the short story The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe. Edwige Fenech plays Floriana (the Niece), a young and seductive woman who arrives at the mansion of her uncle (Luigi Pistilli), a decadent and abusive writer. She soon becomes entangled in a web of sex, violence, and murder with her uncle, his wife (Anita Strindberg), and a mysterious biker (Ivan Rassimov).
- All the Colors of the Dark (1972): A supernatural thriller directed by Sergio Martino, based on the novel The Devil's Own by Peter Bryan. Edwige Fenech plays Jane Harrison (the Victim), a beautiful and fragile woman who suffers from nightmares after a car accident that caused her to lose her unborn child. She is persuaded by her neighbor (Marina Malfatti) to join a satanic cult that promises to cure her fears. She soon realizes that she is in grave danger from the cult leader (Ivan Rassimov) and his followers.
- The Case of the Bloody Iris (1972): A police procedural thriller directed by Giuliano Carnimeo, based on the novel The Case of the Sliding Pool by Edgar Wallace. Edwige Fenech plays Jennifer Lansbury (the Model), a young and attractive model who moves into an apartment where a previous tenant was brutally murdered. She becomes the target of a serial killer who leaves behind bloody irises as his signature. She is helped by a handsome architect (George Hilton) and a quirky detective (Giampiero Albertini).
- Strip Nude for Your Killer (1975): A sleazy thriller directed by Andrea Bianchi, based on the novel Naked for Your Killer by Sergio Bergonzelli. Edwige Fenech plays Magda Cortis (the Photographer), a smart and sexy photographer who works at a fashion agency. She is involved in a series of murders that are linked to a botched abortion that resulted in the death of a model. She is pursued by a masked killer who strips his victims nude before killing them.
- The Case of the Bloody Iris (1976): A comedy thriller directed by Dario Argento, based on his own screenplay. Edwige Fenech plays Betty (the Actress), a famous and glamorous actress who is stalked by a fanatical admirer (Michael Brandon) who wants to kill her. She is protected by a detective (Jean-Pierre Marielle) and a journalist (Mirella D'Angelo), who try to uncover the identity and motive of the stalker.
Edwige Fenech's performances in giallo are remarkable for their intensity, emotion, and sensuality. She can play different types of characters, from the innocent and vulnerable to the cunning and dangerous, from the sophisticated and refined to the wild and exotic. She can also display a great range of expressions, gestures, and screams. She can make the audience feel scared, intrigued, and aroused at the same time.
Edwige Fenech's films in giallo are also notable for their artistic and aesthetic value. They offer a showcase of the technical and creative skills of the directors, writers, cinematographers, composers, and editors of the genre. They also feature some of the most memorable and iconic scenes, images, and sounds of Italian cinema.
Edwige Fenech: The Style Icon of the 1970s
Edwige Fenech is not only a talented and versatile actress, but also a style icon of the 1970s. She has influenced and inspired many women and men with her fashion choices, hair styles, and accessories. She has also collaborated with some of the most renowned designers and brands of the time, such as Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and Dior.
Edwige Fenech's style is characterized by a mix of elegance, glamour, and sex appeal. She can wear different types of outfits, from the classic and sophisticated to the trendy and daring, from the casual and comfortable to the formal and extravagant. She can also adapt her style to different occasions, genres, and roles. She can look stunning in a cocktail dress, a bikini, a jumpsuit, or a tuxedo.
Some of the most iconic and memorable looks of Edwige Fenech in the 1970s are:
- The red dress: In The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh, Edwige Fenech wears a stunning red dress with a plunging neckline and a slit skirt. The dress highlights her curves and her cleavage, while also contrasting with her dark hair and eyes. The dress is designed by Valentino, who was one of Edwige Fenech's favorite designers.
- The fur coat: In Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key, Edwige Fenech wears a luxurious fur coat over a black lingerie set. The coat adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to her seductive look, while also creating a contrast with the Gothic setting of the film. The coat is designed by Gucci, who was one of the most popular brands of the 1970s.
- The blue jumpsuit: In All the Colors of the Dark, Edwige Fenech wears a blue jumpsuit with a zipper front and a belt. The jumpsuit is simple yet stylish, and it accentuates her figure and her legs. The jumpsuit is also practical and comfortable for her action scenes in the film. The jumpsuit is designed by Versace, who was one of the most innovative and influential designers of the 1970s.
- The white tuxedo: In The Case of the Bloody Iris, Edwige Fenech wears a white tuxedo with a black bow tie and a black hat. The tuxedo is elegant and chic, and it shows her confidence and charisma. The tuxedo is also a gender-bending statement, as it challenges the traditional norms of femininity and masculinity. The tuxedo is designed by Dior, who was one of the most prestigious and elegant brands of the 1970s.
Edwige Fenech's style in the 1970s is remarkable for its diversity, originality, and impact. She can wear different types of clothes, colors, patterns, and fabrics, and always look fabulous and fashionable. She can also express her personality, mood, and attitude through her style choices. She can make a statement with her style, whether it is playful, provocative, or powerful.
Edwige Fenech's style in the 1970s is also relevant for today's fashion trends and culture. Many of her looks are timeless and classic, and can be easily adapted to modern tastes and preferences. Many of her looks are also inspiring and influential, as they have been imitated or referenced by other celebrities, designers, and media outlets.
Edwige Fenech: The Legacy and Impact
Edwige Fenech is not only a successful and versatile actress, but also a cultural icon and a role model for many women and men. She has left a lasting legacy and impact on cinema, pop culture, and society. She has also inspired and influenced many other filmmakers, actors, and artists with her work and style.
Edwige Fenech's legacy and impact on cinema are undeniable. She has starred in more than 70 films, spanning different genres, countries, and languages. She has worked with some of the most talented and renowned directors, writers, producers, and actors of her time. She has also produced some of her own films, as well as other films by other filmmakers. She has received several awards and honors for her contribution to cinema, such as the Golden Graal Award, the David di Donatello Special Award, and the Legion of Honour.
Edwige Fenech's legacy and impact on pop culture are remarkable. She has become a symbol of beauty, charm, and sex appeal for many generations. She has also become a reference point for many aspects of pop culture, such as fashion, music, literature, and art. She has been featured or mentioned in various media outlets, such as magazines, books, documentaries, podcasts, and websites. She has also been imitated or parodied by other celebrities, such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Amy Schumer, and Quentin Tarantino.
Edwige Fenech's legacy and impact on society are significant. She has been a pioneer and a trailblazer for women's empowerment and liberation. She has challenged and defied some of the stereotypes and prejudices about women, sexuality, and gender roles. She has shown that women can be independent, intelligent, powerful, as well as attractive, sensual, playful. She has also been a supporter and a promoter of various social causes and charities, such as animal rights, environmental protection, and children's education.
Edwige Fenech's legacy and impact are still relevant and influential today. Many of her films are still popular and appreciated by new audiences and fans. Many of her looks are still fashionable and trendy among new generations. Many of her values are still inspiring and motivating for new movements and initiatives. Edwige Fenech is not only a star of the past, but also a star of the present and the future.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explored the portrait of Edwige Fenech, the Italian actress who embodied the seductive allure of the 1970s. We have learned about her life and career, her roles in commedia sexy all'italiana and giallo, her style and fashion choices, and her legacy and impact on cinema, pop culture, and society. We have also discovered some of the best Edwige Fenech movies to watch on MeetingVenus.com, the online platform that offers a curated selection of films from around the world.
Edwige Fenech is a star that shines with beauty, charm, and versatility. She is a star that inspires and influences many generations of fans and admirers. She is a star that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated. We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about Edwige Fenech. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more portraits on MeetingVenus.com.
FAQ
- What are some of the best Edwige Fenech movies to watch?
- The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh: A psychological thriller directed by Sergio Martino, based on the novel The Cat's Eye by Edgar Wallace. Edwige Fenech plays Julie Wardh (Mrs. Wardh), a wealthy and troubled woman who is tormented by her past relationship with a sadistic lover (Ivan Rassimov). She becomes involved in a series of murders that seem to be connected to her ex-lover, her husband (Alberto de Mendoza), and her new lover (George Hilton).
- Giovannona Long-Thigh: A political satire directed by Sergio Martino, based on the novel The Telephone Call by Lucio Mastronardi. Edwige Fenech plays Giovannona Coscialunga (Long-Thigh), a sexy secretary of a corrupt politician (Renzo Montagnani), who uses her charms to manipulate and blackmail various men for her boss's benefit.
- The School Teacher: A school comedy directed by Nando Cicero, based on the novel The Schoolmistress by Piero Chiara. Edwige Fenech plays Luisa De Dominicis, a young and attractive teacher who arrives in a small town to teach at an all-boys school. She soon becomes the object of desire and fantasy of her students, colleagues, and townspeople.
- The Virgo, the Taurus and the Capricorn: A family comedy directed by Luciano Martino, based on the play The Family Reunion by Aldo De Benedetti. Edwige Fenech plays Giovanna Bonocore (the Virgo), a wealthy widow who inherits a fortune from her late husband. She decides to remarry with a young engineer (Alberto Lionello), but she has to deal with his greedy relatives (Renzo Montagnani, Alvaro Vitali) and his ex-girlfriend (Olga Bisera).
- The Nurse in the Military Madhouse: A military comedy directed by Mariano Laurenti, based on the play The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux. Edwige Fenech plays Elena Antinori (the Nurse), a beautiful and kind nurse who works at a military hospital. She falls in love with a young soldier (Renato Pozzetto), who is involved in a plot to overthrow a dictator (Lino Banfi).
- Policewoman in New York: A crime comedy directed by Michele Massimo Tarantini, based on the novel The Policewoman by Mario Amendola. Edwige Fenech plays Gianna Amicucci (the Policewoman), a brave and smart policewoman who is sent to New York to escort a mafia boss (Aldo Maccione) back to Italy. She has to face various dangers and adventures in the Big Apple, with the help of a clumsy FBI agent (Alvaro Vitali).
Some of the best Edwige Fenech movies to watch on are:
