"Dillinger è morto", 1968

Oct. 28, 2023, 7:28 a.m. Recommendations Evelyn Lark

"Dillinger è morto", 1968

"Dillinger è morto," directed by Marco Ferreri, is a profound exploration of alienation and the role of media in society, meticulously portrayed through a seemingly simple narrative that unfolds over a single night. The film follows the story of an engineer named Glauco, played by Michel Piccoli, who comes home to find his wife in bed with a headache and a cold dinner awaiting him. Discontented, Glauco decides to prepare a meal for himself, marking the beginning of a unique narrative filled with symbolic and real interactions​.

"Dillinger è morto", 1968

The film opens with Glauco at his workplace, testing gas masks, and a conversation with a co-worker that sets the theme of alienation right from the outset. As the film progresses, the narrative dives deep into the exploration of media's impact on individuals and society, weaving in various forms of media like television, home movies, radio, records, newsreels, and newspapers. Through this lens, Ferreri forces not only the character but also the audience to reflect on their relationship with media and its effect on human psychology and actions​.

A prominent scene featuring a projected home movie on the living room wall stands out as a brilliant sequence, showcasing the film's ability to veer away from standard narrative formulas into a more subjective exploration of cinema's power. The visual and auditory elements of the film are noted to be captivating, drawing the audience into its unique logic and psychological intimacy​.

"Dillinger è morto", 1968

The dialogues are sparse, with much of the narrative driven by the actions and interactions of characters, especially between Glauco and his wife, played by Anita Pallenberg. The film is described as an essayistic exploration of alienation, told through the lens of a single night in Glauco's life. The performances, particularly by Piccoli and also by Annie Girardot, who plays Glauco's maid, are praised for adding depth and a spark to the narrative​​.

"Dillinger è morto", 1968

"Dillinger è morto" is not a film for everyone due to its unconventional narrative structure and thematic depth. However, for those who appreciate European cinema and are willing to delve into a narrative that challenges conventional storytelling while exploring profound themes, this film is a remarkable piece that reflects on human alienation in a media-saturated society.

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