Copkiller 1983
"He is young, he is rich. He doesn't do it for money."
Dive into the tense psychological chess match of *Copkiller (1983)*, an Italian crime thriller directed by Roberto Faenza that twists expectations at every turn.
Director: Roberto Faenza
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Copkiller (1983) about?
*Copkiller* follows a New York police officer who kidnaps a confessed cop-killer, intending to extract revenge through torture. But when his captive refuses to break—and even seems to relish the suffering—roles reverse in a chilling game of psychological dominance and moral reckoning.
Who directed Copkiller?
Roberto Faenza directed *Copkiller (1983)*, crafting a tense, character-driven thriller that explores themes of power and punishment.
Who stars in Copkiller?
The film stars Harvey Keitel as the tormented officer, John Lydon as the defiant prisoner, and features powerful performances from Nicole Garcia, Leonard Mann, and Sylvia Sidney.
Is Copkiller (1983) worth watching?
*Copkiller* is a tightly coiled psychological thriller that rewards viewers with its stark intensity and strong performances. While it may not be for everyone due to its brutal themes, its gripping narrative and moral ambiguity make it a compelling watch for fans of crime films.
How long is Copkiller?
*Copkiller (1983)* runs for 117 minutes, offering a punchy, dialogue-driven experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Copkiller (1983) — A Gritty Crime Thriller Turned Psychological Battle
Dive into the tense psychological chess match of *Copkiller (1983)*, an Italian crime thriller directed by Roberto Faenza that twists expectations at every turn. The film follows a hardened New York police officer who kidnaps and brutalizes a confessed cop-killer, only to discover his captive is far more resilient—and morally complex—than he anticipated. What begins as a straightforward act of vengeance spirals into a battle of wills, where the lines between justice and cruelty blur under relentless pressure. With its stark atmosphere and unflinching exploration of power dynamics, *Copkiller* delivers a gripping, morally ambiguous thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
Harvey Keitel leads the cast with a commanding presence as the tormented officer, while John Lydon—better known as Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols—brings a raw, unpredictable energy to his role as the defiant prisoner. The film's gritty tension is further elevated by Nicole Garcia and Leonard Mann, whose performances anchor the story's emotional and psychological weight. A product of its era, *Copkiller* thrives on its deliberate pacing and unsettling realism, making it a standout entry in the crime-thriller genre.