Review of The Conformist (1971) by Augustine H — 07 May 2014
Bernardo Bertolucci's true masterpiece. A flawed and complex Fascist's life is told in multi-layered flashbacks. Instead of criticizing Fascism directly, Bertolucci aims at exploring the distortion and destruction of childhood trauma, homosexuality, dysfunctional family relationship, false religion and the disillusioned ideological manipulation of human mind.
Jean-Louis Trintignant played this complex character masterfully, although he just needs to exemplify a creature without emotion, empathy and orientation. But he also presents the internal conflict between cowardice and suppressed 'abnormal' emotions in an endearing manner to emphasize that many are indeed leading a soulless life like Marcello did - only unconsciously without self-realization.
Just link the character of Marcello to the emotionless Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part II will you realize Bertolucci's legacy and significance. Excellent score by Georges Delerue.
This review of The Conformist (1971) was written by Augustine H on 07 May 2014.
The Conformist has generally received very positive reviews.
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