Analyze This

Laughing is one of the best things in life. For some, the secret of this blessing lies in the effects laughter has on the human body. Scientists tell us about the dozens of muscles that are exercised and the many stimulating substances that are released in the brain when we laugh.

This is what happens when watching "Analyze This", the film starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, who exudes wit, sarcasm and good humor throughout most of the projection. The film shows the extraordinary meeting of two men whose lives are like water and oil.

On one side is the psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), who lives overwhelmed by the trivial conflicts of his patients, the irreverence of his little son, and the shadow of someone who surpasses him as a psychiatrist: his own father. Then there is Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro), a vicious gangster who has achieved a privileged position in the world of crime thanks to his status as heir of a legendary mafia family.

These two contrasting lives intersect in unexpected ways. Just as Paul Vitti is about to crown his criminal career, he starts to be a victim of terrible panic attacks. These episodes of illness, accompanied by extreme sensitivity, put at serious risk the possibility of becoming mob boss.

Faced with the threat that another gangster might take the reins of the organization, Vitti decides to seek help from Sobel, who is about to remarry. Although the psychiatrist at first resists, the persuasive methods of organized crime end up imposing their law.

The secret of "Analyze this" lies in an excellent script and three masterful performances. Apart from some simplistic “gags” (like a body falling from a second floor in the middle of a wedding) the story is clever and very funny.

De Niro and Crystal form an anthology comic couple, so much that the film stumbles in some of the scenes in which they are not present. De Niro shows that he is beyond good and evil, making fun of the roles that have given greater glory to his career, something that very few actors dare to do. Billy Crystal looks moderate and effective, while Joe Viterelli manages to turn his supporting role as a bodyguard in a real gem, thanks to its remarkable performance.

The lack of good comedies in the film industry is so big that you'd better take advantage of "Analyze This" to enjoy a comedy that will make laugh more than once.

Director: Harold Ramis

Writers: Kenneth Lonergan (story), Peter Tolan (story)

Stars: Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal and Lisa Kudrow