The Ape Woman
Open Roads: New Italian Cinema 2018
May 31 - June 6, 2018
One of Ferreri’s earliest and most beloved films, this typically irreverent, freewheeling satire tells the story of an ex-nun (Annie Girardot) put on the freak show circuit by her sleazy entrepreneur husband (Ugo Tognazzi) for her distinctively furry appearance.
Introduction by Anselma Dell’Olio, whose documentary Marco Ferreri: Dangerous but Necessary screens at Open Roads earlier in the day at 6:30pm.
One of Marco Ferreri’s earliest and most beloved films, The Ape Woman is inspired by the true story of 19th-century carnival performer Julia Pastrana. Annie Girardot gives a signature performance as “Marie the Ape Woman,” an ex-nun whose body is completely covered in black hair. She is discovered at a convent by sleazy entrepreneur Focaccia (Ugo Tognazzi), who marries her and swiftly gets her on the freak show circuit to cash in on her distinctive appearance. A freewheeling satire both hilarious and grotesque, The Ape Woman is distinguished by the irreverent wit and anarchic energy of Ferreri’s greatest work. New digital restoration!
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