Elio Petri’s Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto) is a cinematic tour de force that boldly examines the intersection of power, corruption, and morality. Released in 1970, the film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and remains one of the most incisive critiques of authoritarianism ever put on screen.
Anchored by a mesmerizing performance from Gian Maria Volonté and a haunting score by Ennio Morricone, this gripping political thriller is as relevant today as it was in the turbulent 1970s.
The Plot: Power Without Accountability
The film opens with a shocking crime: a police inspector (played by Gian Maria Volonté) murders his mistress, Augusta Terzi (Florinda Bolkan), in cold blood. Rather than concealing his guilt, the inspector leaves behind deliberate clues, certain that his position of authority will shield him from suspicion or accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the inspector’s colleagues either overlook his involvement or actively cover for him, unwilling to question the integrity of a man in his position. The film becomes a chilling exploration of how power and impunity can distort justice, with the inspector’s psychological unraveling paralleling the moral decay of the institutions he represents.
Gian Maria Volonté: A Hypnotic Performance
At the heart of Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is Gian Maria Volonté’s magnetic performance as the unnamed inspector. Volonté, known for his intense roles in Italian political cinema, delivers a character who is simultaneously charismatic and repulsive.
The inspector is a walking contradiction—brilliant yet unhinged, methodical yet impulsive. Volonté masterfully conveys his descent into paranoia and megalomania, capturing the character’s belief in his own invincibility. His performance elevates the film from a critique of institutions to a profound character study of a man corrupted by absolute power.
Elio Petri’s Vision: A Satirical Allegory
Director Elio Petri crafts the film as both a tense thriller and a biting satire of authoritarian regimes. Petri’s script, co-written with Ugo Pirro, uses the inspector’s crime as a metaphor for the broader abuses of power prevalent in society. The film doesn’t just critique the Italian justice system; it addresses the universal dangers of unchecked authority and the complicity of those who enable it.
Petri’s direction is razor-sharp, blending dark humor with unnerving tension. His use of surrealism and absurdity underscores the film’s satirical edge, making the inspector’s brazen actions feel both outrageous and disturbingly plausible.
Ennio Morricone’s Unforgettable Score
Ennio Morricone’s score is an essential component of the film’s atmosphere. The music is simultaneously playful and menacing, mirroring the inspector’s duality. The recurring whistle motif, punctuated by discordant strings, creates an unsettling sense of unease, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of moral ambiguity and institutional rot.
Morricone’s score is as much a character in the film as the inspector himself, amplifying the tension and reinforcing the satirical tone.
Themes of Power, Corruption, and Complicity
Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is a scathing critique of authoritarianism and the inherent corruption of power. The film explores how institutions designed to uphold justice can be manipulated to protect those in power, creating a culture of impunity.
The inspector’s crime is not just an act of murder; it’s a calculated test of the system’s willingness to hold him accountable. His colleagues’ reluctance to question him reveals the dangerous dynamics of power, where loyalty and fear override morality and truth.
The film also examines the psychological toll of wielding unchecked authority. The inspector’s descent into paranoia and self-doubt reflects the corrosive effects of power on the human psyche, adding depth to the film’s critique.
Relevance to Modern Society
Despite being rooted in the political climate of 1970s Italy, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion remains profoundly relevant. Its exploration of systemic corruption and the abuse of power resonates in today’s world, where questions of accountability and justice continue to dominate political discourse.
The film’s timeless themes make it a potent reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.
The Legacy of a Political Masterpiece
Upon its release, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion was met with critical acclaim and controversy. Its unflinching critique of authority struck a chord with audiences and cemented its place in the pantheon of great political cinema.
The film won numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and the David di Donatello Award for Best Film. Its success solidified Elio Petri’s reputation as one of Italy’s most daring and visionary filmmakers.
Today, the film is regarded as a classic, studied in film schools and celebrated for its artistry and political resonance. Its influence can be seen in contemporary works that grapple with similar themes of power and corruption.
FAQs
What is Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion about?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>The film follows a high-ranking police inspector who commits murder and then deliberately leaves clues to test whether his position of authority will protect him from justice.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Elio Petri, an Italian filmmaker known for his politically charged and satirical works.
Why is the film considered a classic?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Its compelling narrative, sharp critique of authoritarianism, and outstanding performances—especially by Gian Maria Volonté—make it a landmark in political cinema.
What role does the score play in the film?
Ennio Morricone’s haunting and playful score heightens the film’s tension and satirical tone, enhancing its psychological and thematic impact.
How does the film explore themes of power and corruption?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>The film critiques how institutions can protect those in power, highlighting the dangers of impunity and the complicity of those who enable abuse.
What accolades did the film receive?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, and numerous other awards, cementing its status as a masterpiece.
Conclusion
Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is more than a political thriller; it’s a masterful exploration of power, morality, and the fragility of justice. With its gripping narrative, iconic performances, and biting satire, the film remains a timeless critique of institutional corruption and human fallibility.
Elio Petri’s visionary direction and Gian Maria Volonté’s unforgettable performance make this a must-watch for fans of cinema that challenges and provokes. As relevant today as it was over 50 years ago, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the enduring struggle for justice.
