L'assassin

More than a whodunit ,it is more some kind of jig saw puzzle, in a fragmented story full of flashbacks , a cat and mouse play between the suspect (Mastroianni)and superintendent Colombo (sorry ,Palumbo,played by Salvo Randone) and a depiction of the latter's method -one can wonder whether his mates in his cell are really convicts ;besides ,as the movie progresses, the principal is shown in a less flattering light (scene of the ""doctor" ).

Very good acting by the principal ,who seems caught in a kafkaesque situation (it's a long time before he learns what he's accused of :the phone call verges on cynicism on the cop's part)his questioning and his imprisonment is a real descent into hell; Micheline Presles has a relatively short screen time,but she makes all her scenes count .

Elio Petri would improve his technique in " indagine su un citado al di sopra di agni suspetto" (1970)

A socialite is murdered and her playboy lover, (the young and handsome Marcello), is brought in for questioning. During his stay in custody we get to see the real sneaky playboy in action via flashback. Is he guilty or just a sleaze. Cleverly constructed and effectively shot by Woody Allen's favourite camera person, Carlo Di Palma.

The antiquarian Alfredo Martelli (Marcello Mastroianni) is brought to the precinct without any explanation to be interviewed by the Police Inspector Palumbo (Salvo Randone). During the questioning, Martelli learns that his wealthy mistress Adalgisa De Matteis (Micheline Presle), who is older than he, was stabbed to death and he is the prime suspect of the police officers. While in jail, Martelli recalls moments of his life with Adalgisa and his love affair with the young Nicoletta Nogaro (Micheline Presle). Meanwhile the police proceed with the investigation.

"L'assassino" is a dated thriller by Elio Petri in his debut as director. The storyline slightly recalls Franz Kafka's "The Trial" where a man is arrested for an unspecified motive. Alfredo Martelli is a cynical man and the lack of communication between the characters keeps the atmosphere dark and gloomy. The black and white cinematography on the restored DVD is magnificent. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "O Assassino" ("The Assassin")

"L'Assassino" was Elio Petri's remarkably assured debut. It's a Kafkaesque story of a man, (Marcello Mastrioanni), under investigation for the murder of his former mistress, (Micheline Presle), The film flits back and forth between the investigation and events in Mastrioanni's past life. It's clear from the outset that what interests Petri isn't so much the prospect of making a thriller but dissecting the protagonist's way of life. This is the Italy of La Dolce Vita or at least the sweet life that was emerging for people like Mastrioanni if they could only keep themselves free of accusations of murder. This is one of his greatest performances but the film itself disappeared soon after its release and is now something of a cult film. Carlo Di Palma was responsible for the superb black and white cinematography.

The Assassin is an ironic tale upon the setbacks of an unscrupulous and arriviste antiquarian, Alfredo (Marcello Mastroianni, Giallo napoletano), whom ambitious projects are thwarted when he is accused of the murder of his former lover and partner Adalgisa (Micheline Presle, I Briganti italiani).

Arrested by the officer Margiotta (Marco Mariani, La Morte risale a ieri sera) and questioned by the commissioner Palumbo (Salvo Randone, Il Criminale), Alfredo is put in jail with two hoodlums (Toni Ucci, Cadavere per signora, and Paolo Panelli, Mia Nonna poliziotto). During the inquiry, he is confronted with the other relatives of the victim, her husband Morello (Andrea Checchi, Caccia all'Uomo), her associate in the construction of a new hostel (Francesco Grandjacquet, Roma citta aperta), her maid Rosa (Giovanna Gagliardo) and her new lover Bruno (Max Cartier, Rocco e i suoi fratelli).

While the police tries to make him confess, charging him notably to have had an anarchist and antifascist grandfather, will Alfredo manage to get out the trap of the circumstances? Will he still be able to marry his girlfriend Nicoletta (Cristina Gajoni, Un Maledetto Imbroglio), the daughter of a rich industrialist? As he is put in the newspapers as an ideal culprit, the film sketches the social satire of an Italy in quest of landmarks. (Viewed in Italian 1h37 version.)