The Mattei Affair 1972
"On October 27, 1962, a plane crashed in Bascape, Italy, sparking an international intrigue...sabotage...disappearances and murders! These events are all the more bizarre because they are TRUE. The central figure was Enrico Mattei."
Francesco Rosi's gripping historical drama *The Mattei Affair* (1972) dissects one of Italy's most perplexing mysteries through the lens of truth and power.
Director: Francesco Rosi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mattei Affair (1972) about?
The film explores the life and mysterious death of Enrico Mattei, a charismatic industrialist whose efforts to modernize Italy's energy sector faced relentless opposition. His 1962 plane crash, ruled an accident, is re-examined through a lens of espionage and political intrigue, leaving audiences to question the official story.
Who directed The Mattei Affair?
The Mattei Affair was directed by the acclaimed Francesco Rosi, renowned for his politically charged dramas that dissect real-life scandals with cinematic precision.
Who stars in The Mattei Affair?
Gian Maria Volonté leads the cast in the pivotal role of Enrico Mattei, supported by Luigi Squarzina, Peter Baldwin, Renato Romano, and Franco Graziosi.
Is The Mattei Affair (1972) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you enjoy historical dramas steeped in intrigue and grounded in real events, *The Mattei Affair* is a must-see. Rosi's direction and Volonté's performance elevate it beyond a simple retelling, offering a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final scene.
How long is The Mattei Affair?
The film runs for 116 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 56 minutes.
About The Mattei Affair (1972) — A suspenseful dive into Italy's greatest unsolved mystery
Francesco Rosi's gripping historical drama *The Mattei Affair* (1972) dissects one of Italy's most perplexing mysteries through the lens of truth and power. The film centers on Enrico Mattei, a visionary industrialist whose real-life crusade to revolutionize Italy's energy sector—first as a partisan against Nazi occupation, then as a pioneer in methane and oil development—collided with forces that would claim his life under suspicious circumstances. When Mattei's private plane mysteriously crashes in 1962, the official narrative labels it an accident, but the shadows of sabotage, espionage, and political intrigue linger. Rosi masterfully blends investigative journalism with cinematic tension, weaving a web of suspicion that questions whether Mattei's death was truly an act of fate.
With Gian Maria Volonté delivering a powerhouse performance in the lead role, *The Mattei Affair* transcends mere historical recounting, evolving into a chilling meditation on the cost of progress. The film's brooding atmosphere, marked by stark contrasts between ambition and corruption, captures the unsettling ambiguity of Mattei's legacy. A defining work of 1970s political cinema, it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about influence, power, and the fragility of integrity in a world where facts are often the first casualties.