Maybe the first movie exploring life in roman slums (the infamous "borgate") since well-known Pasolini's efforts, "L'Odore Della Notte" is based on a true story, and the gang it tells about was dubbed "clockwork orange gang" due to their style of robbing people in their own houses (ink was spilled on italian newspapers wheter Kubrick film had a bad influence on criminal minded youth). The film goes straight to its point: analyzing the mind of the group three main components. The boss, Remo Guerra (Valerio Mastandrea, perfect for the role) is on a war against the world: after a short stint as a policeman, he's fired from his duty and leaves the corp as he couldn't stand the dull life under narrow-minded superiors. His efficiency and kept-to-the-minimum dialogues during robberies derive from this experience. Maurizio Leggeri (superbly played by Marco Giallini) is just in for the money, so that he can afford great wheels and get out from the borgata. Roberto is maybe the only component who commits crimes to feed his family and is shadowed with the idea of going to jail, so he soon leaves the group, forcing Remo to buy a bar and get out of the crime business. When the bar is submerged with debts Remo has no choice but forming the group again, replacing the skeptical Roberto with ill-mannered hulk "Rozzo" (self-explaining nickname meaning "rough"); Maurizio soon shows back but with a slight coke trouble...the gang is up to no good. In the final showdown, the three burst into a supposedly rich house, where they find a politician from Democrazia Cristiana (political party with strong catholic influences), a priest and the members of a chic family. This group is convinced to know the reasons behind the insane acts of the gang members, who in spite, are looking for no understanding from the people they're robbing. A movie without frills, telling an interesting story of human cases, slums and how to get out of them. It's not difficult to find strong critics to italian attitude in those years, political parties and police included. Let's not forget, the film is set during the "Lead Years" (Anni di Piombo), when Italy was hardly struck by terrorism and "normal crooks" were often overlooked. Nevertheless, one can not help but think that the city of Rome and its darkest side play one of the main roles in this movie. Last, but not least, there is a remarkable and hilarious cameo by italian singer and Elvis performer Little Tony, who is forced to sing his hit "Cuore Matto" under the threat of a 9 mm.
Review of The Scent of the Night
