The Assassin
Elio Petri (Italy | 1961)
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In this game of cat-and-mouse suggesting the moral decay, claustrophobia and corruption of modern Italy, a cunning Roman antiques dealer is investigated by the police in relation to the killing of a former lover, without being specifically accused. A paranoid post-Antonioni investigation of social identity, guilt and law enforcement, Elio Petri’s still-potent debut feature was co-written by Tonino Guerra, includes outstanding performances by Salvo Randone, Micheline Presle and Marcello Mastroianni, and is distinguished by Carlo Di Palma’s stunning black-and-white cinematography.
35mm print courtesy of Cinecittà Luce.
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