Power Plays in a Psychological Showdown

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Madness (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Year Released: 1980, 2024 Raro Cinema Art Visions
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): Fernando Di Leo
Writer(s): Mario Gariazzo, Fernando Di Leo
Cast: Joe Dallesandro, Gianni Macchia, Patrizia Behn, Lorraine De Selle
Language: Italian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available September 17, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In MADNESS, we are whisked away to a secluded farmhouse, the setting for an unexpected showdown. Joe Dallessandro stars as Joe Brezzi, an escaped convict whose past is about to collide with the present. The farmhouse, hiding secrets of its own, is now the retreat for Sergio (Gianni Macchia,) his wife Liliana (Patrizia Behn,) and her sister Paola (Lorraine De Selle,) who find their quiet weekend abruptly interrupted. What follows is a riveting tale of dark secrets and dangerous desires, navigated by director Fernando Di Leo.

Di Leo, typically known for some of his more dramatic narratives, steers into darker territories in this gripping exploration. The plot starts as a seductive and superficial drama and soon deepens into a harrowing exploration of betrayal and the darker crevices of human nature. The director's pivot into these murky waters could be seen as a response to the shifting tides of Italian cinema or perhaps a daring dash of his creative flair.

Dallessandro's visceral performance as Brezzi injects a raw, untamed energy into the storyline. His arrival disrupts the idyllic facade of the farmhouse, transforming banter into a fierce battle for psychological endurance. The film maintains a taut narrative pace, with Brezzi's actions weaving through the storyline like a sharp needle pulling a dark thread, drawing the characters into an entangled web of deceit and survival.

The film’s power lies in its tonal shifts—from the steamy undertones of a melodrama to the stark tensions of a psychological thriller. Di Leo crafts scenes with suspense and an undercurrent of impending doom, leading to pivotal moments that starkly showcase the raw human conflicts. These shifts are not just plot twists; they are deep dives into the emotional and psychological depths of the characters, compelling the audience to look beyond the surface.

Visually, MADNESS juxtaposes the stark interiors of the farmhouse against the sprawling beauty of the Italian countryside, creating a backdrop that amplifies the tension. This contrast underscores the characters' isolation and complements the oppressive atmosphere that pervades the film. Luis Bacalov’s score further enriches this landscape with orchestral flourishes and discordant synths that heighten the unfolding drama, echoing the tumult within the characters and the storyline. Despite its strengths, the film does encounter narrative pitfalls—the middle act can meander, lingering too long on scenes filled with voyeuristic excess and seductive dalliances.

For fans of Italian genre films, MADNESS is a compelling portrayal of the shadows lurking within human nature. Di Leo navigates these waters with an adept hand, delivering a film that challenges the intellect and stirs the soul. It stands out in Di Leo’s repertoire as a film that skillfully balances rawness with refined storytelling, provoking deep reflections on power, desire, and survival instinct. Though it may not reach the heights of a cinematic landmark, its bold narrative choices and lingering impact undoubtedly carve it a niche in cult cinema.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, RARO CINEMA ART VISIONS]

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