Devil in the Flesh: Le Diable au Corps

Directed by Marco Bellocchio

109 minutes / Color
Italian / English subtitles
Release: 2021
Copyright: 1986

film poster

One of the most controversial Italians films of the '80s, DEVIL IN THE FLESH takes Raymond Radiguet's classic novel and updates it to modern times. Dealing with the legacy of Italy's "leaden years" and the aftermath of the social struggles headed by left wing revolutionary groups, DEVIL IN THE FLESH caused a critical uproar upon its release due to its highly-charged political and sexually frank subject matter. Maruschka Detmers (THE MAMBO KINGS) stars as Giulia, a young woman engaged to marry Giacomo, who's sitting behind bars because of his political activity. Restless in her appetites and inner turmoil, she meets a young student, Andrea and a passionate affair quickly ensues. But when the day arrives in which she has to face whether she wants to share her life with Giacomo or Andrea, Giulia makes a surprising decision.

Boldly directed by Marco Bellocchio (GOOD MORNING, NIGHT) and featuring superb cinematography by Giuseppe Lanci, DEVIL IN THE FLESH is a powerfully erotic film that deserves to be re-discovered and appreciated without preconceptions. With its mixing of political and sexual issues, Bellocchio retains the strength and relevancy of the classic text and makes a strong contemporary statement in favor of absolute artistic freedom. As controversial as films get, DEVIL IN THE FLESH remains one of the most important Italian films of our time.

“Highly recommended.” —Cinema Retro

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Credits

A film by Marco Bellocchio

Starring Maruschka Detmers

Select Accolades

  • Cannes Film Festival 1986
  • Locarno International Film Festival 1998
  • Toronto International Film Festival 1986
  • São Paulo International Film Festival 2016
  • Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists 1986, Best New Actor Nominee

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