A Thrilling Hostage Crisis in Rome

Read Time:4 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Goodbye & Amen
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 1978, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Damiano Damiani
Writer(s): Nicola Badalucco (screenplay by,) Damiano Damiani (screenplay by,) Francis Clifford (based on the novel "The Grosvenor Square Goodbye")
Cast: Tony Musante, Claudia Cardinale, John Steiner, Wolfango Soldati, John Forsythe, Renzo Palmer, Angela Goodwin, Anna Zinnemann, Fabrizio Jovine, Gianrico Tondinelli, Luciano Catenacci, Francesco Carnelutti, Piero Palermini, Ruggero De Daninos, Giovanni Di Benedetto, Sergio Doria, Mauro Barabani, Massimiliano Baratta
Language: Italian with English subtitles (as well as an English audio option)
Where To Watch: available February 13, 2024; pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: GOODBYE & AMEN takes us on a thrilling espionage adventure down the dark alleys of historic Rome. Here, we're drawn into the world of John Dannahay (Tony Musante,) a CIA agent entangled in a complex mission that will forever change his journey through life. The movie, layered with unexpected turns and intrigue, promises an exciting cinematic expedition without revealing too much too soon. The pacing for this thriller is superb, keeping you on edge throughout, waiting for the next twist.

Director Damiano Damiani, straying from his usual politically charged themes, dives into the shadows of espionage and psychological drama in GOODBYE & AMEN. The film, inspired by Francis Clifford's "Sulla Pelle di Lui," is a captivating blend of spy thriller and intense hostage narrative set against Rome's gorgeous backdrop. The film starts with a by-the-numbers approach before escalating into an engrossing hostage scenario led by a mysterious American embassy figure. Its seamless shift from a straight spy drama to personal crises within almost claustrophobic spaces showcases the film's dynamic storytelling prowess.

The casting in GOODBYE & AMEN adds a rich texture to its narrative. Claudia Cardinale delivers a magnetic performance, upping the dramatic tension to eleven. John Steiner and Wolfango Soldati complement her performance and contribute to the film's depth, adding intrigue with their mere presence. Rome emerges as a character, its iconic beauty enhancing the film's dramatic tension; the city has never looked more enticing as it encompasses the cast.

In a refreshing departure from the typical spy hero trope, Dannahay is portrayed with a blend of vulnerability and complexity. This nuanced performance by Mustane brings a sense of realism to the film, echoing espionage's intricacies and moral challenges, allowing the character to be human and spy in one.

Damiani's directorial fingerprints are particularly evident in the climax, where the suspense is off the charts. He crafts a nail-biting conclusion and infuses the narrative with subtle critiques of the post-war American influence in Italy, with the exploration of power dynamics and international intrigue.

GOODBYE & AMEN occasionally stumbles, particularly in the prolonged hotel room hostage scenes. Here, the narrative wavers a bit, risking the loss of viewer engagement. Nonetheless, as predictability creeps in, the plot throws us a curveball, pulling the audience back into its complex web.

From a production standpoint, GOODBYE & AMEN is a triumph from start to finish, this Radiance restoration making the film as visually stunning as ever. The musical score offers a perfect balance to the visuals on screen. Something about the authentic portrayal of Italian culture and settings adds a layer of realism, making the film feel less like a production and more like a story you’re viewing from the corner.

Despite its initial understated release in Italian and French cinemas, GOODBYE & AMEN is a noteworthy addition to its genre. Its unique combination of espionage, psychological drama, and a critique of global politics marks it as a distinctive and engaging entry in Damiani's filmography. For those seeking a spy thriller with a difference, GOODBYE & AMEN is a must-watch, offering suspense, drama, and a new perspective on the spy narrative.

Bonus Materials
New 2023 restoration of the film from the original camera negative presented with Italian and, for the first time on home video, English audio options
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Audio commentary by Eurocrime experts Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth (2023)
Interview with editor Antonio Siciliano
Archival interview with Wolfango Soldati (2013)
New and improved English subtitles for Italian audio and English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for English audio
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Italian crime cinema expert Lucia Rinaldi
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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