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The Conformist (1970)

The Conformist (1970)
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The conformist is 1930s Italian Marcello Clerici (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a coward who has spent his life accommodating others so that he can "belong." Marcello agrees to kill a political refugee, on orders from the Fascist government, even though the victim-to-be is his college mentor. The film is a character study of the kind of person who willingly "conforms" to the ideological fashions of his day. In this case, director Bernardo Bertolucci suggests that Marcello's desire to conform is rooted in his latent homosexuality. In addition to its strong storyline, the film is critically revered for the astonishing production design by Nedo Azzini, which, together with Vittorio Storaro's camerawork, recreates the atmosphere of Fascist Italy with some of the most complex visual compositions ever seen on film, filled with highly stylized uses of angles, shapes, and shadows. The Conformist was cut by five crucial minutes when first released in the US; those missing moments were restored in the 1994 reissue. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Jean-Louis TrintignantDominique Sanda, (more)
Director(s):
Bernardo Bertolucci
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Conformist

The conformist is 1930s Italian Marcello Clerici (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a coward who has spent his life accommodating others so that he can "belong." Marcello agrees to kill a political refugee, on orders from the Fascist government, even though the victim-to-be is his college mentor. The film is a character study of the kind of person who willingly "conforms" to the ideological fashions of his day. In this case, director Bernardo Bertolucci suggests that Marcello's desire to conform is rooted in his latent homosexuality. In addition to its strong storyline, the film is critically revered for the astonishing production design by Nedo Azzini, which, together with Vittorio Storaro's camerawork, recreates the atmosphere of Fascist Italy with some of the most complex visual compositions ever seen on film, filled with highly stylized uses of angles, shapes, and shadows. The Conformist was cut by five crucial minutes when first released in the US; those missing moments were restored in the 1994 reissue. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
111 mins

Complete Cast of The Conformist


Director(s):
Bernardo Bertolucci
Writer(s):
Bernardo Bertolucci
Producer(s):
Maurizio Lodi-FeGiovanni Bertolucci
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Not For Children)
The Conformist Awards:
  • 1971 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
William L S.

This movie is one of the most stunning visual films ever, and remains one of the most important political statements on film. You will often see its influence on later generations of directors; the shot of blowing autumn leaves that pans up to a body under a car has often been copied by other directors giving visual homage to Bertolucci's classic. The cast is perfect. Easily my favorite Italian film among many great ones. Don't miss this one, well worth the wait.

Yes   |   No

 
GUSTAVO J.

Great direction and cinematography .But the story didint capture my attention.

Yes   |   No

 
Shawn S.

Best direction and cinematography in a film. Very visual and compelling.

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