Revolver is a 1973 movie directed by Sergio Sollima.
Revolver tells the story of Vito Cipriani, a jail warden whose wife is kidnapped. In order to save her, Vito has to unravel the layers of a crime syndicate and rely on a recently freed prisoner.
There’s a basic Eurocrime movie formula: an international actor duo confronts the rotten pillars of the “system”, a hippie element is introduced and wild car chases and shootouts ensue. Revolver doesn’t stray far from the blueprint, yet it transcends the genre, proving itself as a smart, stylish crime movie.
Revolver’s place as one of the best Eurocrime movies is predicated on an accomplished Spaghetti Western director in Sergio Sollima and two terrific leads in Fabio Testi and Oliver Reed.
Testi displays his usual charming and cynical qualities in portraying Milo Ruiz, a prisoner with murky underworld connections. Testi’s sardonic nature provides a counter to Reed’s intensity.
Reed is extraordinary – particularly as the movie progresses. He plays a hardened prison warden whose life is unraveled when his wife is kidnapped. Reed’s expressions of shock and rage are perfect for Eurocrime cameras – his intense eyes convey the desperation of his character.
Continue reading “Revolver”