States of Danger and Deceit: European Political Thrillers in the 1970s
Please note : this season finished in Nov 2017
The ideological turmoil that marked the late 1960s and led to volatile periods of civil unrest across many parts of Europe, gave way in the 1970s to a more strident set of politics that involved stark contrasts between left and right. During this period those within the establishment and those without seemed willing to act with violence to force the changes they sought for society.
In response to this political moment a number of European filmmakers turned to the format of the thriller - sometimes seriously, sometimes with humour - offering as it did the opportunity to explore conspiracies, authoritarian regimes, and political violence.
In this season we’ll discover and revisit some of the nail-biting and rarely-seen thrillers that exposed the political tensions that reverberated across Europe in the 1970s. Landmark films that still influence the way in which politically engaged filmmakers engage with popular forms and genres today.
Presented with support from Bristol Radical Film Festival and Bristol Festival of Ideas.
Need more thrills? Check out our Who Can You Trust? Friday Night Thrillers.
Part of States of Danger and Deceit: European Political Thrillers in the 1970s, a touring season presented by HOME, Manchester, with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from The National Lottery.
