In 1930s Italy, Tommaso Scalia commits a triple homicide, and the public, the newly instated fascist leaders and Tommaso himself all believe the death penalty is the only answer. Judge Vito Di Francesco is put on the case, though, and he doesn’t believe in capital punishment. As the judge remains determined to see that Tommaso gets a proper trial, he infuriates members of Mussolini’s regime — and finds his own life at risk.
Director: Gianni Amelio. AKA Open Doors.
Writers: Gianni Amelio, Vincenzo Cerami, Leonardo Sciascia (novel), Alessandro Sermoneta.
Stars: Gian Maria Volonté, Ennio Fantastichini, Renzo Giovampietro, Renato Carpentieri, Tuccio Musumeci, Silverio Blasi, Vitalba Andrea, Lidia Alfonsi, Renzo Giovampietro, Antonio Appierto, Nicola Badalucco, Pietro Bertone, Turi Catanzaro, Francesco Gabriele.
Cinematographer: Tonino Nardi.
Composer: Franco Piersanti.
1991 Academy Awards – Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
A key film from the declining years of Italian Art cinema with a compelling performance by Volonte. Another reason why this site is so appreciated by us.