The Conformist
dir. Bernardo Bertolucci · 1970
The struggle for personal identity often leads individuals to compromise their values in order to fit into societal expectations.
Feature
Moral Ambiguity
Mood
Dark / Contemplative
Look
lush cinematography with stark contrasts
Structure
linear progression with flashbacks
Plot
A weak-willed Italian man becomes a fascist flunky who goes abroad to arrange the assassination of his old teacher, now a political dissident.
Why watch
"The Conformist" masterfully explores the moral complexities of a man caught in the web of fascism, as he grapples with loyalty and betrayal against a backdrop of striking visual contrasts. A haunting exploration of the human psyche, this film invites viewers to question their own complicity within societal structures.
Cultural context
rise of fascism in Europepost-war disillusionmentintellectualism vs. authoritarianismshifting societal norms in Italy