Cast
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Marc Porel
as Antonio
Ray Lovelock
as Alfredo
Silvia Dionisio
as Sonia
Renato Salvatori
as Roberto Pasquini
Adolfo Celi
as Polizeichef
Franco Citti
as Ruggero Rujinski
Alvaro Vitali
as Concierge
Marino Masé
as Rick Conti
Sergio Ammirata
as sergente
Bruno Corazzari
as Proietti
Daniele Dublino
as poliziotto corrotto
Sofia Dionisio
as Lina Pasquini
Margherita Horowitz
as Mona
Roberto Alessandri
as Rico Gang Member (uncredited)
Sergio Scarchilli
as Rico Gang Member (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Ruggero Deodato
Producer
- Alberto Marras
- Vincenzo Salviani
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Ruggero Deodato 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 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1240 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Se7en, which focuses more on action than character development, Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tsotsi and Die Hard: With a Vengeance explore similar territory, Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man 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: March 11, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 40m
