Italian Filmmaker Marco Bellocchio’s “The Traitor” challenges cultural narratives about loyalty in the mafia

Through a rally of gunfire and the drama of a well publicized trial, Italian director Marco Bellocchio returns to New York for his newest movie, The Traitor.

Depicting the true life story of Tommaso Buscetta (played by Pierfrancesco Favino), The Traitor follows a Sicilian mafia boss who leaves the cartel to become an informant and take down the most prominent members of the mafia in the 1980’s.

Bellocchio’s movie, which premiered in Italy last May, is showing in the United States on October 6 and October 7 at the 57th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall. Bellocchio and Favino will also be there for a Q+A session.

The Traitor challenges cultural narratives of loyalty in the mafia, which are often romanticized by other movies in this genre. Through impressively staged scenes and the psychological development of his characters, Bellocchio reaffirms himself as one of the great auteurs of Italian cinema.

Throughout his life, Bellocchio has captured audiences with films like Fists in the Pocket (1965) and Il Gabbiano (1977). In nearly 55 years of film making, Bellocchio has challenged the Catholic Church and other prevailing religious, cultural and political ideologies with his work, establishing himself as a unique and sometimes controversial director.

The Traitor however, deviates from his other movies by refraining from using direct links or references to his personal beliefs or private life.

Bellocchio told Variety magazine in June that this movie was a challenge for him, but believes it will appeal to an international audience due to its departure from the stereotypical mafia genre and its compelling psychological action.

Becca Most