The Assassin (1961)

Alfredo Martelli is picked up by the police at his apartment without justification. In the precinct, he slowly discovers what the investigation is about as we discover details about his life.

Director:

Elio Petri

Writers:

Tonino Guerra (story) (as Antonio Guerra), Elio Petri (story)

Stars:

Marcello Mastroianni, Micheline Presle, Cristina Gaioni

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marcello Mastroianni	...	Alfredo Martelli
Micheline Presle	...	Adalgisa De Matteis
Cristina Gaioni	...	Nicoletta Nogaro (as Cristina Gajoni)
Salvo Randone	...	Commissario Palumbo
Andrea Checchi	...	Morello
Francesco Grandjacquet	...	Vecchio signore
Marco Mariani	...	Commissario Margiotta
Franco Ressel	...	Dottore Francesconi
Mac Ronay	...	Suicida
Toni Ucci	...	Toni
Max Cartier	...	Bruno
Bruno Scipioni
Lucia Raggi
Giovanna Gagliardo	...	Rosetta
Liana Ferri	...	(as Lina Ferri)

Storyline

The antiquarian Alfredo Martelli is brought to a police precinct without any explanation and interviewed by Inspector Palumbo. During the questioning, Martelli learns that his older wealthy mistress Adalgisa De Matteis was stabbed to death and he is the prime suspect. While in jail, Martelli recalls moments of his life with Adalgisa and his love affair with the young Nicoletta Nogaro.

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Plot Keywords:

police | italy | poliziottesco | french poliziottesco | long take | 

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Taglines:

Murderer? Lover? Or Both?

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

August 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Assassin

Company Credits

Production Co:

Titanus, Vides Cinematografica, Société Générale de Cinématographie (S.G.C.)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Come sinfonia
By Pino Donaggio
Sung by Mina
Italdisc records

User Reviews

One of Mastrioanni's greatest performances

"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.