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Poster for The Conformist

The Conformist

Seen it?

1971 | 108 min | Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A weak-willed Italian man becomes a fascist flunky who goes abroad to arrange the assassination of his old teacher, now a political dissident.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 100 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $233K worldwide on a $750K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 109K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci

  • Jean-Louis TrintignantMarcello Clerici
  • Stefania SandrelliGiulia
  • Gastone MoschinManganiello
  • Dominique SandaAnna Quadri
  • Enzo TarascioProfessor Quadri
  • Fosco GiachettiThe Colonel
  • José QuaglioItalo Montanari
  • Yvonne SansonGiulia's Mother
  • MillyMarcello's Mother
  • Antonio MaestriConfessor