Throughout the 1970s, Italy experienced a conflict that bordered on a civil war. Widespread fighting between left- and right-wing extremists led to massive violence that earned the moniker the Years of Lead (referring to all the bullets fired). There were the Red Brigades on the left and the neo-fascists on the right, with the government often responding mercilessly.
This context helps one understand Elio Petri's Academy Award-winning "Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto" ("Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion" in English). Gian Maria Volonté plays a cop who murders a woman and then has to investigate it. All manner of police corruption comes into play, even as the cop leaves clues leading to himself.
The police corruption should also get seen in the context of all the protests taking place worldwide. The Vietnam War was a major cause - some protesters even reference Ho Chi Minh in one scene - but there was also the indictment of Italy's fascist past, especially since fascist-adjacent people often held positions in Italy's law enforcement. No surprise that a man gets to investigate a crime that he himself committed.
Definitely one that I recommend. Too bad that Petri died so young. I have no doubt that he'd still be making great movies were he alive today.
This context helps one understand Elio Petri's Academy Award-winning "Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto" ("Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion" in English). Gian Maria Volonté plays a cop who murders a woman and then has to investigate it. All manner of police corruption comes into play, even as the cop leaves clues leading to himself.
The police corruption should also get seen in the context of all the protests taking place worldwide. The Vietnam War was a major cause - some protesters even reference Ho Chi Minh in one scene - but there was also the indictment of Italy's fascist past, especially since fascist-adjacent people often held positions in Italy's law enforcement. No surprise that a man gets to investigate a crime that he himself committed.
Definitely one that I recommend. Too bad that Petri died so young. I have no doubt that he'd still be making great movies were he alive today.