Contraband ( 1980 )

Contraband (1980): A Deep Dive into Luc Merenda's Crime Thriller

Contraband, released in 1980, is an Italian crime film directed by Lucio Fulci and starring Fabio Testi, Ivana Monti, and Marcel Bozzuffi. While often categorized as a poliziottesco film (Italian police procedural), Contraband distinguishes itself through its emphasis on gritty realism, visceral violence, and Fulci's signature exploitation elements, pushing the boundaries even within a genre known for its brutality. The film follows Luca Di Angelo (Fabio Testi), a Neapolitan smuggler caught in a dangerous game involving heroin trafficking, rival gangs, and police corruption. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the film, examining its plot, characters, themes, Fulci's directorial style, and its place within the broader context of Italian exploitation cinema.

Synopsis

The film opens with Luca Di Angelo and his wife, Olga (Ivana Monti), returning to Naples after a trip to New York. Unbeknownst to Olga, Luca is involved in smuggling heroin. Soon after their arrival, Luca finds himself embroiled in a complex web of criminal activity. A rival gang, led by the ruthless Marsigliese (Marcel Bozzuffi), attempts to steal Luca's heroin shipment, triggering a violent conflict that engulfs the city. As the bodies pile up, Luca must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with corrupt police officers, double-crossing informants, and ruthless killers. He is forced to use all his cunning and violence to protect himself and his wife from the escalating danger. The film culminates in a brutal showdown where Luca confronts his enemies, exposing the corruption within the police force and exacting his revenge.

Character Analysis

Contraband features a cast of characters driven by greed, desperation, and a thirst for power. Let's examine some of the key players:

Luca Di Angelo (Fabio Testi)

Luca is the protagonist, a seasoned smuggler hardened by his experiences. He's portrayed as a man of action, resourceful and unafraid to resort to violence to protect himself and his loved ones. While morally ambiguous, Luca is presented as more of a pragmatist than a outright villain. He is pushed into increasingly desperate situations, forcing him to make difficult choices that blur the lines between right and wrong. Fabio Testi delivers a strong performance, conveying Luca's toughness and vulnerability.

Olga Di Angelo (Ivana Monti)

Olga is Luca's wife, initially unaware of his criminal activities. As the film progresses, she becomes increasingly aware of the danger surrounding them. Olga serves as a moral compass, representing the innocent caught in the crossfire of Luca's choices. Her vulnerability and fear highlight the devastating consequences of Luca's involvement in the criminal underworld. Ivana Monti's portrayal of Olga provides an emotional anchor to the film's relentless violence.

Marsigliese (Marcel Bozzuffi)

Marsigliese is the primary antagonist, a ruthless and calculating gangster who seeks to control the heroin trade. He is portrayed as a cold-blooded killer, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. Marcel Bozzuffi imbues the character with a chilling presence, making him a formidable adversary for Luca.

Captain Tarantino (Guido Alberti)

Captain Tarantino represents the corrupt police force, highlighting the systemic corruption that permeates the city. He is willing to turn a blind eye to criminal activity in exchange for personal gain, further complicating Luca's efforts to survive. Guido Alberti's portrayal of Tarantino captures the character's cynicism and moral decay.

Themes

Contraband explores several recurring themes common in poliziottesco films and exploitation cinema in general:

Corruption

The film portrays a society riddled with corruption, extending from the criminal underworld to the police force. This pervasive corruption makes it difficult for honest individuals to thrive, forcing them to make compromises and navigate a system rigged against them. The film suggests that corruption is not just a matter of individual bad actors but a systemic problem that undermines the rule of law.

Violence

Contraband is characterized by its graphic and visceral violence, a hallmark of Fulci's directorial style. The violence serves to shock and disturb the audience, but also to highlight the brutal realities of the criminal underworld. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the consequences of violence, showing its impact on both the victims and the perpetrators.

Moral Ambiguity

The characters in Contraband are often morally ambiguous, blurring the lines between good and evil. Luca Di Angelo, while presented as the protagonist, is still a smuggler involved in illegal activities. Even the police are portrayed as corrupt and self-serving. This moral ambiguity challenges the audience to question their own perceptions of right and wrong.

The Breakdown of Order

The film depicts a society on the brink of collapse, where the traditional institutions of law and order have failed to maintain control. The escalating violence and corruption create a sense of chaos and instability, highlighting the fragility of social order. This theme reflects a broader concern about the social and political climate in Italy during the 1970s and 1980s.

Lucio Fulci's Directorial Style

Lucio Fulci is known for his distinctive directorial style, characterized by graphic violence, atmospheric visuals, and a nihilistic worldview. Contraband showcases several of Fulci's signature techniques:

Graphic Violence

Fulci's films are notorious for their extreme violence, and Contraband is no exception. The film features scenes of graphic shootings, stabbings, and other acts of violence, often depicted in gruesome detail. This violence is not gratuitous but serves to emphasize the brutality of the criminal underworld and the consequences of Luca's actions. Fulci uses special effects to create realistic and shocking depictions of injury and death.

Atmospheric Visuals

Fulci's films are often visually striking, creating a sense of atmosphere and dread. Contraband utilizes location shooting in Naples to create a sense of realism and authenticity. The film's cinematography captures the gritty and decaying urban landscape, reflecting the moral decay of the characters and the society they inhabit. Fulci also uses lighting and camera angles to create a sense of tension and suspense.

Exploitation Elements

Contraband incorporates elements of exploitation cinema, including sex, violence, and sensationalism. These elements are used to attract a wider audience and to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema. Fulci uses these elements to create a visceral and shocking experience for the viewer.

Comparison to Other Poliziotteschi Films

While Contraband shares many characteristics with other poliziottesco films, it also stands out in several ways:

As the table illustrates, Contraband distinguishes itself through its heightened violence, pervasive corruption, and morally ambiguous protagonist. It also leans more heavily into exploitation elements than many other films in the genre, reflecting Fulci's unique directorial style.

Reception and Legacy

Contraband received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its gritty realism and intense action sequences, while others criticized its excessive violence and exploitation elements. However, the film has since gained a cult following among fans of exploitation cinema and Fulci's work. It is considered a significant entry in the poliziottesco genre and a prime example of Fulci's distinctive style. The film's enduring appeal lies in its unflinching portrayal of violence, corruption, and moral decay.

Key Scenes and Their Significance

Several scenes in Contraband are particularly memorable and contribute to the film's overall impact:

Influence and Impact

Contraband has influenced subsequent crime films and exploitation cinema. Its unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption has inspired filmmakers to explore similar themes in their own work. The film's gritty realism and atmospheric visuals have also influenced the aesthetic of later crime films. While often controversial, Contraband remains a significant entry in the Italian exploitation canon and a testament to Lucio Fulci's unique directorial vision.

Technical Aspects

Here's a summary of key technical details:

Conclusion

Contraband is a challenging and disturbing film that offers a glimpse into the dark underbelly of Italian society. While its graphic violence may not be for everyone, the film's exploration of corruption, moral ambiguity, and the breakdown of order is both thought-provoking and unsettling. As a key entry in the poliziottesco genre and a showcase for Fulci's distinctive directorial style, Contraband remains a significant and controversial film that continues to provoke and disturb audiences today. Its legacy as a cult classic is well-deserved, solidifying its place in the annals of exploitation cinema.