THE ASSASSIN REVIEWED
“The Assassin” showcases what I love about Elio Petri. Petri’s films focus on seemingly Kafkaesque situations rather than what was popular in Italian cinema. His work on “The Assassin” via Mastroianni showcases an underappreciated aspect of Italian cinema. Basically, the ability to focus on terror of an ever shifting identity. This isn’t a film about studded killers living that Bond life. This is a movie about a society putting a certain lifestyle on trial.
When Alfredo gets arrested, it’s because he has a thing for rich cougars. Whether he’s a gigolo or not, that doesn’t matter. When the local police hammer him upon his arrest, it’s out of jealousy and disgust. Alfredo’s life is a symbol of the changing 1960s and it threatens what security is left in a still rebuilding Italy. It’s not Paisan, but the shadow of Mussolini’s downfall still hangs over Italy at this point. What does this mean for you?
Well, if you’re picking this film as a blind buy…you’re doing good. This film marked Petri’s start and I find it easy to warm up to what he’d do later. Still, I’d pick up a far more action oriented movie and then warm into this one.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Intro
- Documentary
- Trailers
- Booklet
A/V STATS
- 1.85:1 1080p transfer
- LPCM 2.0 MONO