Fists in the Pocket Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Fists in the Pocket," released by Criterion, showcases a meticulous 4K digital restoration executed by Cineteca di Bologna, with supervision from director Marco Bellocchio and filmmaker Daniele Cipri. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer demonstrates a notable enhancement in visual quality. Restored from the original 35mm camera negative using a wet-gate ARRISCAN film scanner, the restoration also involved scanning and restoring sections from a first-generation 35mm interpositive where the original footage was lost.

The black-and-white contrast has been heightened to emulate the British Free Cinema aesthetic, which had originally inspired Bellocchio but could not be achieved during the film's initial release due to lab-processing errors. This heightened contrast renders the visuals with considerable depth and fluidity, providing a new range of nuances particularly discernible in both indoor and outdoor footage. The restoration has ensured that density levels are robust, image stability is impeccable, and highlights under natural light appear exceptionally organic.

This restoration’s technical excellence is further validated by an unobtrusive integration of reconstructed shots. Notably, a three-second shot reinstated at the director's request blends seamlessly into the overall visual narrative. The upgrade from previous DVD versions is significant; even on smaller screens, the improvements in image fidelity and balance are conspicuous. This Blu-ray release, however, is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible player for viewing. Overall, this 4K restoration elevates "Fists in the Pocket" to a definitive visual presentation that captures the film's intended aesthetic with stunning clarity.

The audio presentation for "Fists in the Pocket" on Blu-ray is delivered through an Italian LPCM 1.0 track with optional English subtitles. The mono audio, meticulously restored by L’Immagine Ritrovata from a 35mm magnetic track and the original soundtrack negative, is exceptionally clean. Despite the restrained dynamic range, attributed to the film's nature beyond Ennio Morricone’s evocative soundtrack, listening is a pleasure without any perceptible dropouts, hum, hiss, or background distortions.

Morricone’s score notably shines, presenting a rich auditory experience that complements the film's mood while maintaining clarity and depth. The limited dynamic contrasts inherent in the film are handled adeptly, ensuring that even the subtler nuances of the dialogue and sound effects are discernible. This thoughtful restoration means there are no age-related audio imperfections, offering listeners a pristine auditory representation of the film as it was intended.

The Blu-ray release of "Fists in the Pocket" is a treasure trove for cinephiles, offering an extensive collection of extras that shed light on the film's creation, critical reception, and historical significance. The included archival documentaries and interviews provide invaluable insights from key figures such as director Marco Bellocchio, actors Lou Castel and Paola Pitagora, as well as critics and scholars. These features not only explore the lasting impact of the film but also delve into the themes and controversies that surrounded its release. Although ported over from the previous DVD release, these interviews, along with a newly conducted interview with Stefano Albertini, enhance the understanding of the film's place in Italian cinema history. Additionally, the disc contains detailed English subtitles and a comprehensive essay by Deborah Young.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer in Italian with optional English subtitles.
• A Need for Change: Archival documentary featuring interviews on film conception and themes.
• Bernardo Bertolucci: Discusses the film’s impact and New Italian Cinema.
• A Shock to the System: Scholar Stefano Albertini on the film's historical significance.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by critic Deborah Young.

Marco Bellocchio's directorial debut, Fists in the Pocket (1965), arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Categorized superficially, the film could be seen as a straightforward melodrama about a young psychopath's descent into madness. Yet, this would be a gross oversimplification of a narrative rich with social context and psychological depth. Lou Castel stars as Sandro, the youngest son in a crumbling Italian family, simmering with frustration and anger. Following the death of his father, the family's dynamics disintegrate further—his blind mother becomes a passive bystander, and his siblings either drift away or struggle with their own psychological issues. The indifference and isolation at home and in the wider community fuel Sandro's growing madness.

Bellocchio's film is steeped in raw, youthful rage, reflecting both his age and the broader rebellion of the 1960s. The sheer dysfunction of Sandro’s family is starkly portrayed through its setting—a decaying villa that becomes a metaphor for stagnation and decay. Sandro's outbursts, framed against the oppressive family environment, transform him into a figure embodying pure, untamed evil. Yet, Fists in the Pocket goes beyond individual psychosis to explore societal failures. The community’s and family’s inability to help Sandro or even recognize his escalating distress renders his actions as preventable tragedies rather than inevitable horrors.

Sandro's volatile character is expertly brought to life by Castel, who oscillates between sensitive and chaotic. His complex relationship with his siblings, notably the healthy but resigned Augusto, adds layers of tension. Bellocchio's unsparing vision is enhanced by Ennio Morricone’s haunting score, making the film's murder sequences as gripping as any classic thriller. Through its relentless exploration of indifference and alienation, Fists in the Pocket offers a grim but compelling portrait of a disintegrating soul and the systemic failures surrounding him.

Marco Bellocchio’s "Fists in the Pocket" is an unflinching exploration of familial dysfunction and societal indifference. This pivotal debut film holds a unique place in Italian cinema, challenging viewers with its raw portrayal of moral decay within a bourgeois setting. Bellocchio sheds light on universal themes of evil and indifference that transcend cultural boundaries, making its narrative resonate across different contexts and eras. Criterion’s Blu-ray release, sourced from a stunning new 4K restoration supervised by Bellocchio himself, offers an exceptional preservation of this cinematic piece.

The technical enhancements in Criterion’s presentation elevate the film’s visual and auditory impact to new heights. The meticulous 4K restoration ensures superior image clarity, with sharp contrasts that emphasize the stark emotional landscapes portrayed. Viewers are treated to an enriched viewing experience that captures the original film’s intensity and craftsmanship. Additional supplements included in the Blu-ray release provide deeper insights into Bellocchio’s creative process, making it an indispensable edition for cinephiles and scholars alike.

In conclusion, I have never been convinced that the vicious cycle Marco Bellocchio's directorial debut chronicles has a unique Italian identity. It is beyond naive to link its existence only to the moral flaws and sins of the Italian bourgeoisie, which of course remain a favorite target among critics. At its core is a very familiar type of classless indifference, easily recognizable behind countless contemporary global tragedies. Evil, in all its reincarnations, flourishes only when surrounded by indifference. Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Fists in the Pocket" is an essential acquisition, offering a breathtaking presentation of a timeless film. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.