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The Traitor
7.7

The Traitor (2019)

May 23, 2019 2h 31m Drama Crime Thriller

Palermo, Sicily, 1980. Mafia member Tommaso Buscetta decides to move to Brazil with his family fleeing the constant war between the different clans of the criminal organization. But when, after living several misfortunes, he is forced to return to Italy, he makes a bold decision that will change his life and the destiny of Cosa Nostra forever.

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Directed by Marco Bellocchio

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Marco Bellocchio
Producer
  • Paolo Del Brocco
  • Beppe Caschetto

Reviews

SWITCH.
7/10

Despite the intimidating sprawl of its narrative, 'The Traitor' presents an interesting knot of a character for the audience to unravel as they watch the confessions of a traitor revealing the mafia's darkest secrets.
- Jake Watt

Read Jake's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-traitor-crime-and-punishment-in-sicily

Oct 6, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Traitor examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Marco Bellocchio brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Traitor took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 151 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 196 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Traitor shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Schindler's List, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Traitor subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like La Dolce Vita and A Beautiful Mind explore similar territory, The Traitor stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 23, 2019
  • Runtime: 2h 31m

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