Blood in the Streets: Histories of Violence in Italian Crime Cinema

Blood in the Streets explores how 1970s Italian crime films were embedded in their cultural and political contexts, analyzing the emergence, proliferation, and distribution of various film cycles and their relevance to the political turmoil and traumas of the decade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Blood in the Streets is a book that explores the various ways in which 1970s Italian crime films were embedded in their immediate cultural and political contexts. It analyzes the emergence, proliferation, and distribution of a range of popular film cycles, including conspiracy thrillers, vigilante films, mafia and serial killer narratives, and examines what these reveal about their time and place. With industrial conditions geared around rapid production schedules and concentrated release patterns, the engagement in these films with both the contemporary political turmoil of 1970s Italy and the traumas of the nation's recent past offers a range of fascinating insights into the wider anxieties of this decade concerning the Second World War and its ongoing political aftermath.

One of the key themes of Blood in the Streets is the way in which crime films were used to reflect and comment on the social and political climate of the time. The films often depicted a world in which crime was rampant, and the authorities were either unable or unwilling to address it. This reflected the reality of Italy in the 1970s, where the country was plagued by political corruption, organized crime, and social unrest.

The book also explores the ways in which crime films were distributed and marketed. The films were often shown in small theaters and drive-ins, and they were often marketed to a specific audience. This audience was often young and male, and they were attracted to the films' violence and excitement. However, the films also had a broader appeal, and they were often seen by people from all walks of life.

One of the most significant films of the 1970s was the Italian crime film "The Godfather." The film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro. The film was a huge success, and it has since become a cultural icon. The film's story was based on the true story of the Italian mafia, and it depicted the rise and fall of a powerful crime family.

The film's success was due in part to its innovative marketing strategy. The film was marketed as a "gangster film," and it was shown in a series of theaters that were designed to look like the interior of a gangster's hideout. The film's soundtrack was also important, and it included a number of popular songs from the 1970s.

However, the film's success also had a negative impact on the Italian mafia. The film's portrayal of the mafia as a powerful and ruthless organization was accurate, but it also led to a negative perception of the Italian community. Many people in Italy were afraid of the mafia, and they were reluctant to engage in any kind of criminal activity.

In response to the negative impact of the film, the Italian government began to take steps to address the issue of organized crime. The government passed a number of laws that aimed to reduce the power of the mafia, and it also began to work with the United States to combat organized crime.

One of the most significant laws that the Italian government passed was the RICO Act. The RICO Act was designed to target organized crime, and it allowed the government to seize the assets of criminal organizations. The law was successful, and it has since been used to prosecute a number of high-profile criminals.

However, the RICO Act also had a negative impact on the Italian community. Many people in Italy were afraid of the government, and they were reluctant to cooperate with the authorities. This led to a number of cases where criminals were able to escape prosecution.

In addition to the RICO Act, the Italian government also began to work with the United States to combat organized crime. The United States was a major source of drugs and weapons for the Italian mafia, and the government was able to use its resources to target the mafia's supply lines.

One of the most significant cases of cooperation between the United States and Italy was the "Operation Family Secrets" investigation. The investigation was led by the FBI and the Italian police, and it resulted in the arrest of a number of high-profile criminals. The investigation also revealed the extent of the mafia's influence in the United States.

Despite the negative impact of the 1970s Italian crime films, they have had a lasting impact on the culture of Italy. The films have been studied by scholars and film critics, and they have been used to explore a range of social and political issues. The films have also been used to promote tourism in Italy, and they have been shown in a number of international film festivals.

In conclusion, Blood in the Streets is a book that explores the various ways in which 1970s Italian crime films were embedded in their immediate cultural and political contexts. The book analyzes the emergence, proliferation, and distribution of a range of popular film cycles, and it examines what these reveal about their time and place. The films were used to reflect and comment on the social and political climate of the time, and they had a negative impact on the Italian mafia. However, the films have had a lasting impact on the culture of Italy, and they have been used to explore a range of social and political issues.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474477727