The Traitor (2019)

DVD CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  153 Minutes

Rated: 14A

Genre: Drama, Crime, Biography

Director: Marco Bellocchio

Starring: Pierfrancesco Favino, Maria Fernanda Candido, Fabrizio Ferracane, Fausto Russo Alesi, Luigi Lo Cascio, Bruno Cariello

IMDB Rank:7.1/ 10

Part 1 Time:   64 Minutes

Part 2 Time:   89 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Pippo Calò (Fabrizio Ferracane) is arrested, a title stating the date ’30 Marzo 1985′ (March 30, 1985) is presented.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “You’re making a mistake, my name’s Mario Agliadoro,” states Pippo.

First line of dialogue on the second part: Another title is presented ’10 Febbraio 1986′ (February 10, 1986). The Palermo, Maxi Trial begins with the president of the committee announcing those in attendance, “Badalamenti Emanuele, not present.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends?  Somewhat, Tommaso Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino) is now a government witness for the Italian government resulting in the arrest of 475 defendants allegedly affiliated with the Cosa Nostra. This officially makes him the first justice collaborator against the mafia in Italian history and quite possibly a dead man walking.

Which part is better? Part two is significantly better as we not only get to see the 6 year long Maxi-Trial, but also the dangers Buscetta and his family face due to his involvement in being a justice collaborator. This is a unique mob film as it showcases from the view point of someone who is a government witness.

Academy Awards: None

Other Awards: 2019- Palme d’Or (Nominated);