Elio Petri: Investigation of a Filmmaker

Elio Petri was an Italian director who made award-winning movies that explored controversial social, religious, and political themes. This book examines his life and career, placing his work within the social and political context of postwar Italian culture, politics, and cinema.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Elio Petri, a renowned Italian director, achieved remarkable commercial success and garnered critical acclaim throughout his career. Hailing from a cultured background and possessing a strong political commitment, Petri crafted award-winning films that delved into contentious social, religious, and political themes. His works, including "We Still Kill the Old Way" (1967), "Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion" (1970), and "Lulu the Tool" (1971), addressed topics such as the Mafia, police brutality, and workers' struggles. Petri's artistic approach was characterized by a penchant for irony and the grotesque, evident in his notable works such as "The 10th Victim" (1965), "A Quiet Place in the Country" (1968), and "Todo modo" (1976). This book delves into the life and career of Elio Petri, contextualizing his work within the social and political landscape of postwar Italian culture, politics, and cinema. It provides a comprehensive production history and critical analysis of each of his films, offering rare insights recovered from the Italian ministerial archives. Additionally, the book explores the director's unfilmed projects, shedding light on his creative process and unfinished endeavors.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476680347