The Sunday Morning Movie: The Mattei Affair (1972) – 1h 50m + Bonuses!

Note: Last week’s selection of Friz Lang was contributed by reader AG, not AK as I previously mentioned.

<p>Welcome, dear reader, to another edition of Sunday Morning Movie! Today, we delve into a gripping tale of power and sacrifice titled <em>The Mattei Affair</em>:</p>

<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5ciw3yUxI0"></iframe></p>

<p>And here's a sneak peek at next week's film, <em>Kamilla</em>:</p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="90yuaoxAuX">
    <p><a href="https://rarefilmm.com/2026/02/loperjenten-1981/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Løperjenten (1981)</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="“Løperjenten (1981)” — rarefilmm | The Cave of Forgotten Films" src="https://rarefilmm.com/2026/02/loperjenten-1981/embed/#?secret=DOOTSkoN5j#?secret=90yuaoxAuX" data-secret="90yuaoxAuX" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>

<p>Here are some reviews of <em>The Mattei Affair</em>:</p>

<p><a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-mattei-affair/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Letterboxd</a> offers this take:</p>
<blockquote>
    <p>What a remarkable film, filled with creative storytelling elements! While I couldn't bring extensive knowledge about the real-life events, the film adeptly illustrates potential motives behind Mattei's untimely death, hinting at questionable actions leading to his tragic plane crash. Francesco Rosi expertly portrays Enrico Mattei's character, weaving between timelines from his political ambitions to his tragic end. The film contrasts the intimate details of Mattei's life against the backdrop of powerful oil conglomerates leveraging countries for their gain. Even with some character aspects feeling overlooked, my engagement with this film was complete. For those who relish conspiracy-driven narratives, akin to the works of Costa-Gavras, <em>The Mattei Affair</em> is a must-watch.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="https://www.filmsfatale.com/blog/2022/6/17/the-mattei-affair" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Films Fatale</a> provides another perspective:</p>
<blockquote>
    <p>The tie at the 1972 Cannes Palme d'Or is particularly notable, exemplifying a clear choice between two politically charged Italian films, both starring Gian Maria Volonté. In <em>The Mattei Affair</em>, he embodies the historical figure Enrico Mattei, whose life was tragically cut short in an airplane accident. Director Francesco Rosi uncovers unsettling truths surrounding this event, hinting at a conspiracy that questions the integrity of historical narratives.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Our valued reader Alex Cox has kindly shared notes from his book analyzing <em>The Mattei Affair</em>. Aimed at undergraduates, I found it enlightening, and I believe you will too:</p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="MOsGAQ1yyo">
    <p><a href="https://alexcoxfilms.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/intro-to-film-week-3/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">INTRO TO FILM week 3</a></p>
</blockquote>
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<p>Here's a brief excerpt:</p>
<p><em>This duality presents a mystery; Rosi appears in the film, probing questions about de Mauro, who reportedly vanished after being abducted.</em></p>

<p>The narrative structure of <em>The Mattei Affair</em> sets it apart from earlier films we've explored. While those followed a linear progression, Rosi’s work begins at the conclusion, oscillating between timelines.</p>

<p>This film opens with the wreckage of the crash site, flashes back to air traffic controllers attempting to reach Mattei's aircraft, and then forward to the blaze of the plane. Scenes unfold, capturing reporters surrounding Mattei's grieving wife and revisiting moments of Mattei's life, including death threats he received.</p>

<p>Here's my personal view:</p>
<p>The subject matter is certainly captivating, though I find the hybrid documentary-drama style somewhat jarring. I would rate it ⭐ because I recognize its appeal to others, even if it doesn't resonate with me.</p>

<p><strong>Director:</strong> Francesco Rosi</p>
<p><strong>Screenwriters:</strong> Francesco Rosi, Tonino Guerra, Nerio Minuzzo, Tito Di Stefano</p>

<p><strong>Plot (Spoilers!):</strong></p>
<p>Enrico Mattei, a patriotic Italian, defies orders to sell off the Italian oil industry to American interests, resulting in a flourishing domestic oil business. This inevitably attracts adversaries as he pursues alliances, even with the Soviet Union. His fate takes a dark turn when Mattei, along with an American journalist, meets with tragedy during a flight that ultimately raises questions about foul play.</p>

<p>***</p>

<p><strong>Recommended Bonuses:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Black Mountain Transmitter – Behold The Undead Of Dracula (Official full album stream):</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBdXWiLWT1E"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>The Upsetters – Eastwood Rides Again (Full Album) 1994:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC7p5hpb69k"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Earl Hines – Spa, Belgium 1977:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kREgF1ZOFNw"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Music of the Crusades – David Munrow and the Early Music Consort:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92JuA3LzG-8"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Musica Reservata – Music from the 100 Years War (Full 1969 Album):</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMyH_8355F4"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Music from the Thirty Years’ War:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhJEqNpgr7M"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Azuma Kabuki Musicians Nagauta Music 1954 (with liner notes):</strong></p>
<p><em>Mono Columbia LP. Sol Hurok, in collaboration with H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presents the Azuma Kabuki Musicians under Katsutoji Kineya and Rosen Tosha, showcasing traditional Nagauta Music.</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC8mSAlU5-4"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>‘CREEPSHOW’ – Surreal, experimental horror in five segments:</strong></p>
<p><em>Bizarre and surreal, this experimental horror film is divided into five segments: Contamination, Apparition, Entity, Demon, and Inferno.</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwgKNtdachk"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Ballet Mécanique (1924, 2K Digitally Restored, With Score by George Antheil):</strong></p>
<p><em>“Charlot présente le Ballet Mécanique” is a 1924 avant-garde silent film by Fernand Léger and Dudley Murphy, featuring geometric visuals and an eclectic music score that exemplifies early experimental cinema.</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMnZgykH1Bk"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>The Mystics of Muelenburg – Thomas Ligotti:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zt01ZuSUXQ"></iframe></p>

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