The Conformist

1970's The Conformist, from Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci—whose movies almost always reflected his political and personal passions—boasts a masterful performance by top-billed Jean-Louis Trintignant (who manages to be subtle while also bringing great conviction to the title role), as well as beautiful cinematography by Vittorio Storaro, one of the medium's most skilled artisans. Marcello (Trintignant), who is haunted both by his repressed homosexuality and a childhood trauma of having shot a chauffeur who tried to seduce him, offers his services to the Italian Fascist party just prior to the outbreak of World War II, and is assigned to assassinate his former professor. Bertolucci's plot isn't especially tight, which allows the director to include scenes and details that many would regard as superfluous—such as one steamy sequence in which female leads Stefania Sandrelli and Dominique Sanda unforgettably dance a tango. Presented in a newly remastered “special edition,” DVD extras include a three-part interview with Bertolucci and Storaro documenting the film's making with unusual detail and insight. Recommended. [Note: Bertolucci's 1976 film 1900, starring Robert De Niro and Gerard Depardieu, is also newly available.] (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Nov. 18, 2014—Raro, 113 min., in Italian, French & English w/English subtitles, not rated, $26.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1970's The Conformist sports a solid transfer and a PCM stereo soundtrack. Extras include an “In the Shade of the Conformist” featurette (57 min.), trailers, and an illustrated booklet. Bottom line: Bertolucci's early classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]