FALCONE/EXCELLENT CADAVERS

US/Italy, 1998, 86 minutes, Colour.

Chazz Palminteri, F Murray Abraham, Anna Galiena Andy Luotto, Arnoldo Foa, Ivo Garrani, Pierfrancesco Favino.

Directed by Ricky Tognazzi.

This is a very interesting, brief, story of the Mafia, Sicilian settings, settings in Rome. And it is a true story. The film was made in English with a cast of Americans and Italians. Director Ricky Tognazzi was a successful 20^th century Italian director.

The focus is on Sicilian lawyer, Giovanni Falcone, played by Chaz Palminteri. The film gives his background, his work as a lawyer, his campaign against the Mafia, his personal life. The film also focuses on a range of lawyers and associates who support him in his work. And, as expected, there are a great number of mafiosi in the plot.

It depends on how interested audiences are in the Mafia in the 20^th century, the havoc that they wreak in control, protection money, power in families, recruiting… The screenplay has some detailed attention to Falcone and his work as well as detailed attention on some of those charged, their appearances in court, the role of judges, sentences to prison and the frustration of twisting of the law as well as political influence for the release of the prisoners.

Falcone continued to work against the Mafia, frustrated in Sicily, moving to Rome, trying to get government involvement.

But, the film has a sad ending, the assassination of Falcone.

1. The history of the Mafia in Italy? And the later 20^th century? Mafia activities? Police investigations? Court cases? This film based on facts?
2. Southern Italy, Sicily, Palermo, the 1980s and 1990s? The city, homes and apartments, courts and offices, police investigations, prisons, courts? The musical score?
3. The focus on Giovanni Falcone, as a person, family, separated from his wife? Devoted to his job? His friendship with Paolo? His legal background? In action, links with judges, preferment, his work? Support? Antagonism?
4. The history of the Mafia, the links, the screenplay providing information, the various networks, the upfront personalities, those behind the scenes? Manipulation? The range of assassinations, motor bike riders, shootings? Judges, lawyers?
5. The film detailing Falcone and his determination, his work, examining documents, finding links, financial accounts? Discussions with the judges? Local authorities? The Italian authorities in Rome? The linking of the Mafia with politicians? Senators?
6. His wife, concern for Falcone, setting him up for the meal, Francesco, her background, embarrassment, his apology, continuing the meal, the relationship, time together, compatibility, her support, the wedding, Paolo and his wife happy?
7. Finally getting the documentation together, presentations the courts, despite the assassination of judges, the threats to Falcone? The roundup of the criminals, in the courtroom, behind bars, their shouting and jeers?
8. The prosecution, the names, the crimes, the reactions? The tension about the judgements? The judges and their verdict of guilty? Imprisonment? Falcone and the sense of achievement?
9. Falcone and his not being appointed as leading prosecutor, the decision to go to Rome? The release of many of the criminals?
10. The years passing, Falcone and his work, with Francesco, supported by Paolo, the resentencing of the Mafia Chiefs?
11. His decision to return to Palermo, expectations?
12. The portrayal of the assassination, the bridge, the enormous explosions, deaths?
13. The film as a tribute to Falcone and his achievement?