The Conformist is a 1970 movie directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.
WHAT HAPPENS?
An Italian man, Marcelo, is coerced by the Fascist government to kill his old teacher, now an anti-fascist dissident living in Paris. Marcelo comes to terms with a complicated past, which affects his relationship with two women – one his fiance, the other the dissident’s wife.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Conformist is an intriguing political thriller encased in gorgeous cinematography.
THE ACTORS
Jean-Louis Trintignant is quietly fascinating as Marcelo, a man who we never fully know. He’s a slightly timid Fascist party operative reluctantly about to marry Stefania Sandrelli’s Guilia, who he dismisses as “all bed and kitchen.” As the movie progresses, he becomes enamored with Dominique Sanda’s Anna – the dissident’s wife. Later, we’re given glimpses into Marcelo’s past, which includes some homosexual activity. Trintignant blends all these facets to create a complex character – he’s both bold and bewildered in moments and stoic and frozen in others.
The supporting cast is excellent, including Sandrelli and Sanda. The two perfectly contrast each other – Sandrelli’s Guilia is daft and bubbly, while Sanda is initially all smoke and swagger – and fully aware of Marcelo’s motives. Their chasm of difference is striking, yet Bertolucci draws them together during a memorable, vibrant dance scene. Others involved include Gastone Moschin, who plays Fascist spy Manganiello with a deft comedic touch.
THE DIRECTOR
The Conformist is a stunning, beautifully shot movie. Vittorio Storaro creates spectacular framing throughout the movie. He uses long hallways and staggering contrasts of space to propel a theme of man versus system. The use of symmetry, light and shadows cuts across the actors and creates juxtapositions against the fashionable clothing of the “winning side.”
There are several small touches that shape the background into a visceral experience. Storaro’s camera catches a symphony of rustling leaves, smacking trees and closed doors. The use of both natural and Technicolor light is impressive. A gorgeous sunset is captured as Guilia recounts her first sexual encounter. The lighting at Marcelo’s bridegroom party is radiant while its hosts are all blind.
THE BEST – Everything That is Filmed
It’s difficult to describe the beauty of this movie. The Conformist is a master class in how to frame shots to reveal maximum artistic impact.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Caesar Stabbing
I feel the allusion may be a bit too obvious, but Bertolucci crafts a pivotal scene by referencing the Roman great.
THE WORST – Lino
Lino represents a defining moment in Marcelo’s past, as he essentially molests him. The act could trigger much of Marcelo’s behavior but it’s also interesting to frame sexuality within the framework of Fascism. The movie’s ending implies this sort of nuanced relationship.
THE WORST Part 2 – Marcelo’s Kind of a Dick
Marcelo doesn’t respect Guilia and actively attempts to cheat on her – even pushing her off to visit the Eiffel Tower alone. He essentially does the same to Anna – except on a more dangerous and cowardly level. He later abandons his blind mentor Italo in a revolutionary crowd before succumbing to his own carnal desires.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.5/5
This is a rare movie that combines an intriguing narrative with a remarkably beautiful look. An amazing experience.
