To Rome with Love (2012)

To Rome with Love (2012) is a romantic comedy that incorporates elements of magical realism. The film was written and directed by Woody Allen, who also makes his first on-screen appearance since 2006. It tells the story through four distinct vignettes: a clerk’s sudden rise to fame, an architect’s nostalgic visit to his old college neighborhood, a newlywed couple’s honeymoon adventures, and an Italian funeral director’s captivating singing talent that impresses his American future relative, an opera director.

Hayley’s Story. While spending a summer in Rome, American tourist Hayley falls for Italian pro bono lawyer Michelangelo, and they become engaged. Hayley’s parents, Jerry and Phyllis, fly to Italy to meet her fiancé and his family. During their stay, Giancarlo, Michelangelo’s mortician father, surprises everyone by singing in the shower. Jerry, a retired opera director who has received harsh criticism for his work, feels inspired by Giancarlo’s talent and wants to share it with the public. He convinces Giancarlo to audition for a group of influential opera figures, but unfortunately, Giancarlo does not perform well in this setting. This leads to tension between Michelangelo and Jerry as Michelangelo accuses Jerry of trying to use his father’s talents for personal gain and reviving his own failed career. As a result, conflict arises between Michelangelo and Hayley as well.

Antonio’s Story. Antonio and Milly, who have just tied the knot, are planning to relocate to Rome as Antonio’s uncles have generously offered him a position in their family’s company. While checking into their accommodations, Milly decides to pay a visit to a beauty salon before meeting with Antonio’s relatives. Unbeknownst to her, she gets lost and accidentally misplaces her phone. However, an unexpected encounter at a nearby film set with her idol Luca Salta turns things around as he invites her for lunch. Meanwhile, Antonio anxiously awaits Milly’s arrival for their lunch appointment with his aunts and uncles. To his surprise, Anna, a prostitute who was mistakenly directed to his room, arrives instead.

Leopoldo’s Story. Leopoldo leads a mundane existence with his spouse and two kids. The highlight of his day is admiring Serafina, his boss’s stunning secretary. Unexpectedly, he wakes up to find himself thrust into the limelight. Paparazzi constantly follow his every move and journalists inquire about even trivial details like his breakfast choices and wardrobe preferences. Leopoldo is promoted to a managerial role at work, and Serafina becomes romantically involved with him. He begins dating models and attending high-profile movie premieres. However, the constant scrutiny takes a toll on him. One day, while being interviewed, the paparazzi switch their attention to someone they deem more interesting, leaving Leopoldo feeling rejected. Initially, he welcomes the return to his ordinary life but one afternoon he breaks down when no one asks for his autograph.

John’s Story. John, a renowned architect, is exploring Rome with his wife and their friends. Having resided in the city some 30 years ago, he prefers revisiting his former haunts rather than joining the others on typical tourist activities. While searching for his old apartment building, John meets Jack, an American architecture student who recognizes him. To John’s surprise, Jack now resides in his previous abode and kindly invites him to visit him and his girlfriend Sally who also lives there. As the story unfolds, John assumes a quasi-real and quasi-imaginary role around Jack and shares candid observations of their experiences. Sally reveals to Jack that she invited her best friend Monica, an actress, to stay with them and that Monica exudes a strong sexual aura that notoriously entices men.