Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion 1970
When a high-ranking police inspector in Rome commits a brutal murder, he deliberately leaves a trail of evidence pointing straight back to himself. Yet his deep conviction in legal justice compels him to follow procedure—even when it implicates him as the perpetrator.
Director: Elio Petri
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970) about?
This gripping Italian thriller follows a powerful police inspector who murders his lover, then deliberately leaves clues implicating himself to test the justice system's integrity. His high-handed assumption that social status will protect him unravels in unexpected ways.
Who directed Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion?
Elio Petri, the acclaimed Italian filmmaker known for his sharp political and social critiques, directed Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion.
Who stars in Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion?
The film features Gian Maria Volonté in the lead role, supported by Florinda Bolkan, Gianni Santuccio, Orazio Orlando, and Sergio Tramonti.
Is Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970) worth watching?
Though not rated on IMDb, its reputation as a classic of Italian political cinema speaks volumes. With its intense themes, stellar cast, and Elio Petri's masterful direction, it's a thought-provoking thriller that rewards patient viewers.
How long is Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion?
Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion runs for 111 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970) — A corrupt inspector's fatal game of cat-and-mouse with the system
When a high-ranking police inspector in Rome commits a brutal murder, he deliberately leaves a trail of evidence pointing straight back to himself. Yet his deep conviction in legal justice compels him to follow procedure—even when it implicates him as the perpetrator. Directed by Elio Petri with razor-sharp intensity, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970) is a chilling psychological thriller that dissects power, corruption, and the paradox of authority. Starring Gian Maria Volonté in a career-defining role, the film blends cold realism with biting political commentary, set against the tense backdrop of late 1960s Italy. Its haunting atmosphere lingers long after the credits roll, inviting viewers to question who truly wields control in a society bound by law.
As the inspector's calculated arrogance collides with the machinery of justice, Petri crafts a moral labyrinth where guilt and innocence blur. The ensemble cast, led by Florinda Bolkan and Gianni Santuccio, delivers performances steeped in quiet tension and simmering unease. A masterpiece of Italian political cinema, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion remains a searing exploration of systemic hypocrisy and the illusion of untouchability.