The Mattei Affair
Enrico Mattei helped change Italy’s future, first as freedom-fighter against the Nazis, then as an investor in methane gas through a public company, A.G.I.P., and ultimately as the head of ENI, a state body formed for the development of oil resources. On October 27, 1962, he died when his private airplane crashed during a flight to Milan. Officially, it is declared an accident, but many journalists explore other plausible reasons for Mattei's untimely death.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film investigates the mysterious death of Enrico Mattei, the influential and controversial head of Italy's state-owned oil company, ENI, in 1962. Through flashbacks and investigative journalism, it explores the complex web of political intrigue, corporate power struggles, and potential sabotage that surrounded his life and untimely demise. The narrative pieces together Mattei's rise to power and the enemies he made along the way.
Critical Reception
The Mattei Affair is widely regarded as a masterpiece of political cinema, lauded for its rigorous investigation, gripping narrative, and Gian Maria Volonté's powerful performance. Critics praised its unflinching look at the intersection of power, oil, and politics, even if its ambiguous conclusions invited further debate. It is considered one of Francesco Rosi's most significant works.
What Reviewers Say
- A meticulously crafted political thriller that interrogates power and corruption.
- Gian Maria Volonté delivers a commanding performance as the enigmatic Enrico Mattei.
- Praised for its investigative depth and unflinching examination of Italian post-war politics.
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Awards & Accolades
Palme d'Or at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Francesco Rosi was himself investigated by the Italian authorities for his involvement in the film, which delved into sensitive political and economic issues.
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