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Diabolik

Diabolik (2021)

1960s, the city of Clerville. The forthcoming visit of heiress Eva Kant, who'll be bringing a famous pink diamond with her, catches the attention of Diabolik, the infallible and elusive thief whose real identity is unknown: while trying to steal the jewel, he finds himself bewitched by Eva's charm, a feeling she may be reciprocating. But the police, led by relentless Inspector Ginko, is rapidly closing in on him...

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Directed by Antonio Manetti

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Antonio Manetti
  • Marco Manetti
Producer
  • Antonio Manetti
  • Carlo Macchitella
  • Marco Manetti
  • Paolo Del Brocco

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Crime/Action/Mystery/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Diabolik distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Antonio Manetti 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Diabolik took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $11.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 184 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 821 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Diabolik subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Thunderbolts* and The Saint explore similar territory, Diabolik stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 16, 2021
  • Runtime: 2h 13m
  • Budget: $11,000,000
  • Revenue: $3,189,418