: His acting is marked by the "philosophy of the shrug"—a hesitant, stuttering style that perfectly captures the modern man's confusion in the face of emotional complexity.
(I Thought It Was Love, but It Was a Buggy) is the final film written, directed, and starring Massimo Troisi , released in 1991. It is a cynical yet poetic exploration of the impossibility of stable love between men and women, set against the backdrop of an evocative, everyday Naples. Plot Summary Pensavo_fosse_amore_invece_era_un_calesse_1991_...
: Unlike many films set in Naples, it avoids clichéd "postcard" shots, opting instead for intimate, slightly melancholy urban spaces. Famous Quote : His acting is marked by the "philosophy
: The film is famous for the song "Senza Giacca e Cravatta" and the main theme "O' ssaje comme fa 'o core" , written by Troisi's close friend Pino Daniele . Plot Summary : Unlike many films set in
: Troisi suggests that "love" is often a label we give to something that is actually just a "calesse" (a buggy)—something that breaks down, requires maintenance, and isn't as grand as we imagine.
The story follows (Troisi) and Cecilia (Francesca Neri), a couple in Naples who are about to get married. However, their relationship is plagued by obsessive jealousy, boredom, and constant bickering. Cecilia, convinced Tommaso is unfaithful, calls off the wedding at the last minute and begins a rebound relationship with a man named Enea. Tommaso tries to win her back, even using "magic" potions, but once they reunite, they realize that while they love each other, they cannot coexist in a traditional marriage. The film ends with them meeting for coffee on what was supposed to be their wedding day, deciding to stay together but without the constraints of formal commitment. Core Themes
"When we are in love, we think we've found something eternal, but it's just a buggy... a buggy that carries you for a while and then stops."