Manipulation and Making the News

Read Time:4 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Slap the Monster on Page One (Sbatti il mostro in prima pagina)
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1972, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Marco Bellocchio
Writer(s): Sergio Donati, Goffredo Fofi
Cast: Gian Maria Volonté, Fabio Garriba, Carla Tatò, Jacques Herlin, John Steiner, Michel Bardinet, Jean Rougeul, Corrado Solari
Language: Italian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to a world where shadows play in broad daylight, and every frame blurs the line between fact and fiction. In SLAP THE MONSTER ON PAGE ONE, Marco Bellocchio delves into the murky waters of media influence against Italy’s Years of Lead (a period of political violence and social upheaval from the late 1960s until the late 1980s). Centered on Giancarlo Bizanti (Gian Maria Volontè), the editor with a Machiavellian streak, the film spins a tale of murder and deceit, underscoring the terrifying depths the press might sink to sway public opinion.

Bellocchio’s direction steers the narrative through the gloomy lanes of Milan to the ruthless reality of its newsrooms. His approach paints the cityscape as a canvas of stark realism, drawing viewers into a narrative that’s as much a political thriller as a criminal one. Each scene is meticulously framed, reflecting the director’s documentarian eye, which adds an undeniable authenticity that compels the viewer to gaze more deeply into the unfolding drama.

Bizanti, portrayed with a chilling elegance by Volonté, serves as a fascinating character study—an outward paragon of journalistic integrity who is inwardly engineering a web of lies. His plot to falsely incriminate a left-leaning activist in a gruesome murder is not just a testament to his character's moral bankruptcy but also a narrative device that Bellocchio uses to explore broader societal implications. Volonté's performance captures the icy resolve of a man who manipulates human lives like chess pieces, revealing the disquieting reality of power in media.

The film doesn’t just rest on the laurels of its lead; the supporting roles add robust layers to the narrative, particularly John Steiner’s portrayal of Montelli, the publisher with vague motivations. Their dynamic is a core element of the film, showcasing the sinister underworld of media enterprises where the truth is often the first casualty in the battle for ideological supremacy.

As relevant today (in the US, even more so) as it was during its release, SLAP THE MONSTER ON PAGE ONE transcends its period setting to speak directly to the modern viewer, for whom media is a double-edged sword. The film’s climax, revealing the actual perpetrator, metaphorically underscores the unveiling of truth in our post-truth era. It's a stark reminder of the perils of media manipulation—echoing far beyond the confines of its narrative.

Nicola Piovani’s haunting score complements Bellocchio's visual storytelling. It weaves through the narrative, enriching the emotional core of the film. This auditory accompaniment is not just background music but an integral part of the storytelling, enhancing the suspense and drama that Bellocchio masterfully builds.

SLAP THE MONSTER ON PAGE ONE is a critical examination of media ethics wrapped in the guise of cinematic entertainment. Bellocchio offers a masterclass in filmmaking, blending nuanced direction with compelling performances to create a powerful commentary on the influence of media. This isn’t just a film to be watched; it’s an experience, prompting viewers to question the very nature of truth in the media they consume.

Bonus Materials
4K restoration of the film from the original negative by Cineteca di Bologna in collaboration with Surf Film and Kavac Film, under the supervision of director Marco Bellocchio
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Archival interview with Marco Bellocchio (21 mins)
Newly filmed interview with critic and author Mario Sesti (2024, 25 mins)
Appreciation by filmmaker Alex Cox (2024, 10 mins)
Newly improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Wesley Sharer
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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