Survival, Not Glory

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Boss (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Year Released: 1973, RARO Cinema Art Visions Blu-ray 2024
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Fernando Di Leo
Writer(s): Peter McCurtin, Fernando Di Leo
Cast: Henry Silva, Richard Conte, Gianni Garko, Antonia Santilli
Where To Watch: available November 12, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the riveting conclusion of Fernando Di Leo's Milieu trilogy, THE BOSS, we're catapulted into the savage heart of the Italian mafia, far more unforgiving than we've seen before. Through the eyes of the relentless enforcer Nick Lanzetta, portrayed by Henry Silva, the film navigates a brutal labyrinth of betrayal and survival against a backdrop of unchecked power. Silva’s chilling performance captures the essence of a man carved out of the complex realities of mob life, starkly contrasting the earlier films in the trilogy's more linear storytelling of stepping away from the traditional glamorization of mob films; THE BOSS offers a raw depiction of the criminal underworld. With his formidable presence, Silva brings Lanzetta to life—not as a hero but as a stark representation of the mob's cruel efficiency. This entry in Di Leo's series doesn’t just draw you into a story—it drags you through the grim realities of its world, where every character is a cog in a vast, remorseless machine. Also, can we talk about the elephant in the room and how much Siva looks like Chevy Chase?

Diving deeper into the story, the film exposes the intricate web of corruption that extends beyond mere gang wars to permeate political and law enforcement spheres. The tension peaks with a crisis when a kidnapping exposes the fragility and volatility of mafia leadership. The diverging reactions of D'Aniello and Carrasco highlight a significant rift in the mafia’s ethical and strategic foundations, painting a complex picture of internal conflict and moral ambiguity.

THE BOSS steps back from the overtly dramatic portrayals of violence typical of the genre, instead adopting a more nuanced approach that amplifies the story’s tension. Lanzetta’s executions are depicted with a chilling detachment, underscoring the film’s critique of the dehumanizing forces at play within these criminal enterprises. This subdued yet stark portrayal emphasizes that in the mob hierarchy, everyone is expendable, including a hitman of Lanzetta’s caliber.

The film excels in blending stark crime drama with incisive social commentary. It is set to the haunting strains of Luis Enríquez Bacalov’s score, which deepens the narrative’s dark atmosphere. The contrast between Richard Conte’s portrayal of an old-school mafia don and Silva’s ruthless hitman offers a fascinating glimpse into the power dynamics that threaten the stability of mafia operations.

As THE BOSS wraps up, it raises questions about the relentless nature of mafia retribution and power struggles. The lack of resolution poignantly reflects the cyclical violence and betrayal that define the mafia world. In this world, no one truly wins, but many are broken.

By breaking away from the conventions of the crime genre, Di Leo’s THE BOSS not only critiques the deep-seated corruption within the mafia but also challenges the viewer to confront the bleak realities of this brutal lifestyle. While it may not connect emotionally as profoundly as its predecessors, THE BOSS stands out for its courageous storytelling and uncompromising portrayal of life within the grip of organized crime, a stark reminder of the human toll of such a relentless existence.

Product Extras:
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan
Archival Documentary: Mafia Stories
Alternate English feature audio track
Trailers

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

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