Italian filmmaker Francesco Rosi believed that “the audience should not be just passive spectators”, he wanted to make people think and question. He called Illustrious Corpses “a trip through the monsters and monstrosities of power.” This is the story of a mysterious killer (or killers) whose victims are judges, public prosecutors, and magistrates.

Lino Ventura (The Sicilian Clan, Razzia Sur La Chnouf) stars as Inspector Rogas, a dogged detective who uncovers a nest of corruption at every cultural and political turn: every witness - indeed, every institution in Italian society - has a stake in the collapse of the judiciary.

Rosi’s most despairing comment on absolute power and corruption is also his most stylistically distinguished, with stunning cinematography by Pasqualino De Santis (Romeo and Juliet).

A 4K restoration courtesy of The Film Foundation and Cineteca Bologna.

Lynda Myles is also presenting Mark Cousins’ insight into her cinematic adventures:

Cinema Has Been My True Love, Thu 25 July 11:10.

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