One of the things I consistently say about movies released
on disc is that they provide an open window to the rest of the world. Movies
that are new or old released in other countries rarely make their way here to
the US unless they feature some US star in the films. But the history of film
in other countries is as ripe as it is here. Consider the fact that many of the
greatest of the classic horror films made in this country were directed by
German directors who made their way here rather than live under Hitler. So take
advantage of the opportunities presenting themselves with these films.
One genre I was unaware of and learned about was the “poliziotteschi” thrillers made in Italy. These years were called the years of lead, a term that refers to the tumultuous time of political unrest and governmental corruption in that country, a time when crime was running rampant and kidnappings and bombings were taking place. Inspired by the crime films coming out of Hollywood and tackling these subjects the genre was born and lasted until times changed. Arrow Video is releasing five examples of these films in this box set the appropriately titled YEARS OF LEAD.
First up is SAVAGE THREE (1975) from Vittorio Salerno. The story revolves around three computer workers that deal with their mundane lives during the day but go on to commit more and more atrocious acts of crime at night. Dogging them along the way is an old police detective who may be the only one able to solve the crimes they commit.
Next up is LIKE RABID DOGS (1976) from Mario Imerpoli. Similar in theme we are presented with a trio of malcontents who are committing more serious crimes this time around. And rather than 3 men this trio is 2 men and a woman. Their crimes involve bank robbery to kidnapping and their cause is less the sterile world they work in and instead the fact that their parents are well connected business people.
Third in this group is COLT 38 SPECIAL SQUAD (1976) my second favorite of the set. When crime sores to outlandish numbers the police decide it’s time to fight fire with fire. Led by Inspector Vanni, this elite team is trained in various techniques and provided with high powered weapons to take on the most dangerous criminals around.
HIGHWAY RACER (1977) from Stelvio Massi presents a renegade officer who dreams of matching the exploits of his commander, a man known for his ability behind the wheel as an officer. When an old nemesis of this commander comes back into play, he must teach this new young hotshot the tricks of the trade to take on these criminals.
Lastly is NO THE CASE IS HAPPILY RESOLVED (1973) from Salerno and this was my favorite among the films. While fishing one day a man hears a cry for helping. Looking to see what’s going on, he witnesses a man kill a young half naked woman. They glimpse one another and he runs away. Unable to find an officer he decides to not get involved. But the killer, knowing his boat will be connected to the murder, goes to the police posing as a witness and offers up the innocent man as the killer. Now he has to find a way to clear his name and get the real murderer caught.
Some of the common themes that ran through these thrillers included dealing with bureaucratic red tape, corrupt politicians and police officials, the use of modern weapons against the criminals and the instability of the times. Each of these films offers an example of this film genre and provide an interesting look at what was transpiring not just on film but in the country at the time. These movies are a treat to watch. Arrow Video has done their usual job of making these films look fresh and new.
As always they’ve come up with a number of interesting extras as well. These include a new video essay on the genre from critic Will Webb, an interview with director Vittorio Salerno and actress Martine Brochard on SAVAGE THREE, and interview with actor Joe Dallesandro on SAVAGE THREE, an interview with cinematographer Romano Albani and historian Fabio Melelli on LIKE RABID DOGS, an interview with assistant director Claudio Bernabei on LIKE RABID DOGS, a music sampler for LIKE RABID DOGS, an interview and introduction by composer Stelvio Cipriani on LIKE RABID DOGS, an interview with editor Antonio Siciliano on COLT 38 SPECIAL SQUAD, an interview with historian Roberto Curti on HIGHWAY RACER, an interview with director Salerno on NO THE CASE IS HAPPILY RESOLVED, the alternate ending for NO THE CASE IS HAPPILY RESOLVED, trailers, poster galleries, reversible sleeves featuring original artwork for all 5 films and a booklet featuring new writing by Troy Haworth, Michael Mackenzie, Rachael Nisbet, Kat Ellinger and James Oliver.
Click here to order.
No comments:
Post a Comment