Eurocrime!

Eurocrime! is an enthralling documentary film that is a tribute to the Italian crime films of the 70s and 80s, often known as "poliziotteschi" movies. This film, directed by Mike Malloy, is a deep dive into this genre that captured raw, unfiltered, visceral street violence, which was a departure from the traditional Hollywood crime thrillers. Franco Nero, John Saxon, and Henry Silva, who were mainstays of these Italian cop and gangster films, have lent their distinctive voices to this documentary narrating their personal experiences and giving the audience an inside look into the creation of these cult classics.

Eurocrime! is not just a visual content compiling the unforgettable scenes from the movies of this era but also a deep, analytical exploration of the genre and its socio-political context. The film focuses on some of the most iconic poliziotteschi films, filled with car chases, shootouts, fistfights and obligatory scenes of cops throwing away their badges. However, it also takes time to contemplate the cultural conditions in Italy during the 70s and 80s – a tumultuous period in Italian history characterized by political turmoil, corruption, and escalating crime rates.

The title, Eurocrime!, encapsulates the theme of the film that covers the genre of gritty, violent European crime dramas and action thrillers. These films, noted for their hard-edged, gritty style, drew heavily from the reality of the streets of Italy and being viewed as pulpier European cousins of Hollywood crime dramas. They brimmed with a violent urgency to their storylines, unfolded in the backdrop of shadowy alleyways, crowded cityscapes, or at times, sun-drenched countrysides, telling tales of honor, betrayal, vengeance, and the struggle between law and crime. The exquisite cinematographic detailing and the larger-than-life characters etched in these films not only garnered a local fanbase but also managed to create ripples across the ocean, influencing industry giants like Quentin Tarantino.

The documentary is enriched by the narrations of stalwarts like Franco Nero, John Saxon, and Henry Silva who ruled these films. Their personal stories, anecdotal recollections, and behind-the-scene tales lend a touch of authenticity and gravity to the film. It’s fascinating to see these celebrated figures recounting their experiences, discussing the filmmakers, scripting, filming exploits, and the impact of these films. Their interviews shed light on the technical aspects and the creative fervor of the time, making the film engaging even for the uninitiated viewers.

Eurocrime! has painstakingly gathered archival footage, film excerpts, posters, production stills, and interviews to construct a comprehensive image of the genre. It doesn’t just celebrate the artistic value, but it also acknowledges the controversies and the criticism faced by these films. The documentary does an excellent job of acknowledging the darker implications of such explicit violence without excusing or ignoring it.

In addition to the leading trio, the documentary also features contributions from notable film historians, critics and other actors who participated in these films. Their collective memories add another dimension to the narrative, making Eurocrime! a definitive source of information on this particular era in Italian cinema. Furthermore, the film is imbued with the quintessential audio scores of the genre that add an extra dash of nostalgia for the fans and set the mood for those new to the genre.

But Eurocrime! isn't just for the film buffs. The passion and storytelling of the era shine through powerfully, making the film accessible even to those unfamiliar with Italian poliziotteschi cinema. The film piques interest, offering not just a vantage point to view these films, but also acting as a capsule of a time when creators pushed boundaries, a time when Eurocrime cinema was the king of the streets.

In a nutshell, Eurocrime! is more than a tribute to a unique genre. It is a mirror to a cultural phenomenon that rose from the tumultuous society of the time – a gritty, nostalgic look back at an era that left its indelible mark on the world of cinema. It is a delightful Bildungsroman that weaves a fascinating montage of never-seen-before behind-the-scenes footage, unseen photos, and untold stories from the people who were there, making it a must-watch for every cinema enthusiast.