ELIO PETRI

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

Original title:  Indagine Su Un Cittadino Al Di Sopra Di Ogni Sospetto

Italy, 1970.  Vera Films S.p.a..  Screenplay by Elio Petri, Ugo Pirro.  Cinematography by Luigi Kuveiller.Produced by Marina Cicogna, Daniele Senatore.  Music by Ennio Morricone.  Production Design by Romano Cardarelli.  Costume Design by Angela Sammaciccia.  Film Editing by Ruggero Mastroianni.  

No one made political films like Elio Petri, and this excellent drama is one of his hottest button-pushers.  Gian Maria Volonté is electrifying as a policeman who commits a murder and then heads up the investigation to solve the crime, leaving behind obvious clues that lead to his guilt. What he ends up walking into is a system of fascism so intent on protecting its leaders that his responsibility in the matter is completely ignored by his superiors. It’s a rarely seen gem, hard to find but worth watching if you do come across it.

The Criterion Collection:  #682

Academy Award:  Best Foreign Language Film (1970)
Nomination: Best Original Story and Screenplay (1971)

Cannes Film Festival Award:  Grand Jury Prize

Golden Globe Award Nomination:  Best Foreign Language Foreign Film