While the title makes us think of a porn movie with a sweaty teenager looking to a magic book to win over the busty beauty of his dreams, Manual of Love 3 is actually the third in a line of respected (and successful) Italian romantic dramas and has just added Monica Bellucci to the cast.
Producer Aurelio De Laurentiis made the announcement to Variety, pointing to the fact that the first two films, which were released across Europe, have pulled in $45 million. Now he’s looking further afield, casting Robert De Niro as an American professor to pump up interest elsewhere.
"This third one, with De Niro in the cast, will have greater international ambitions," says the producer.
Few other details are available, except for the fact that Bellucci will play a woman who falls for De Niro’s character. To which we can only say: you lucky, lucky git.
De Laurentiis’ Filmauro company is apparently looking to ride the 3D bandwagon by indulging in a little nostalgia. It’ll restore and re-release the first Italian 3D movie, 1953s Toto in 3D, with plans for a festival fun followed by a wide screening series. Well, someone has to throw in a little class to balance Tinto Brass’ 3D porn ambitions...