Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto is probably the most original detective story ever made, since the protagonist is, at the same time, the only one who is really trying to solve the case AND the murderer.
I have not spoiled anything: it happens right at the beginning. An Italian police inspector (Volonté) murders his lover and, in a sort of challenge towards the law, leaves many clues incriminating himself; while his colleagues investigate the case, he begins showing up where he isn't supposed to, mentioning details he should keep quiet about and, in general, trying to prove how a person in his position will always be sure of his impunity, regardless of what he does.
The social satire is bitterly effective. For example, there is a brilliant little scene between the protagonist and his chief. With fake naiveté the inspector admits he knew the victim, and asks the chief if he should mention it to the detectives following the case. There is a brief pause and then the chief, with a smug and vastly amused grin, lets the matter drop, shakes hand with the inspector and wishes him a good day. It's wonderfully subtle.
The best scene, however, has to be the interrogation of a seedy youth who suspects the protagonist but refuses to cooperate with the police. The contrast between the inspector's spoken words ("You are a democratic citizen! And I must respect you!") and his malevolent tone, body language and methods is spine-chilling.
Gian Maria Volonté, best known outside Italy as the villain in the first two movies of Leone's Dollar Trilogy, carries the movie with an exceptional performance. His inspector is probably one of the most despicable main characters ever seen; and yet, his mesmerizing portrayal captures our attention. He is a complex, crazed individual: loud-mouthed, sardonic and obnoxiously jovial in public, but secretly cold, creepy and reptilian. An Oscar-worthy turn.
8/10
I have not spoiled anything: it happens right at the beginning. An Italian police inspector (Volonté) murders his lover and, in a sort of challenge towards the law, leaves many clues incriminating himself; while his colleagues investigate the case, he begins showing up where he isn't supposed to, mentioning details he should keep quiet about and, in general, trying to prove how a person in his position will always be sure of his impunity, regardless of what he does.
The social satire is bitterly effective. For example, there is a brilliant little scene between the protagonist and his chief. With fake naiveté the inspector admits he knew the victim, and asks the chief if he should mention it to the detectives following the case. There is a brief pause and then the chief, with a smug and vastly amused grin, lets the matter drop, shakes hand with the inspector and wishes him a good day. It's wonderfully subtle.
The best scene, however, has to be the interrogation of a seedy youth who suspects the protagonist but refuses to cooperate with the police. The contrast between the inspector's spoken words ("You are a democratic citizen! And I must respect you!") and his malevolent tone, body language and methods is spine-chilling.
Gian Maria Volonté, best known outside Italy as the villain in the first two movies of Leone's Dollar Trilogy, carries the movie with an exceptional performance. His inspector is probably one of the most despicable main characters ever seen; and yet, his mesmerizing portrayal captures our attention. He is a complex, crazed individual: loud-mouthed, sardonic and obnoxiously jovial in public, but secretly cold, creepy and reptilian. An Oscar-worthy turn.
8/10