The Mattei Affair (1972)

Steeped in enigma and shrouded in mystery, "The Mattei Affair" (1972) explores the intricate life of Enrico Mattei, a man of numerous faces and boundless ambition. The film, a poignant mosaic of emotion rather than time, weaves a narrative that spans the tumultuous world-war era to the dawn of a new age in Italy, delving into the heart of a man whose influence resonated from Milan to Russia, from North Africa to Iran. Known by many names - "the oil czar," "the white Communist," "the emperor of the Republic," "the man of disorder" - Mattei was a beacon of hope in Italy's most underdeveloped regions. His promises of employment and prosperity marked his last day in Sicily, a testament to his unwavering commitment to economic and social progress. The film intricately captures Mattei's evolution from a freedom-fighter against the Nazis to a game-changing investor in methane gas through A.G.I.P., a public company. His crowning achievement, however, was his leadership at ENI, a state body conceived for the advancement of oil resources, forever changing Italy's future. Yet, his life was abruptly extinguished on October 27, 1962, when his private airplane crashed minutes before reaching Milan airport. Was it a tragic accident, or was there more to the story? As the film unravels, it invites viewers to join the cadre of journalists who dared to probe beyond the official narrative, exploring plausible theories behind the premature descent of Mattei's aircraft. "The Mattei Affair" offers an open-ended exploration of Italy's history, its economic and social progress, and the tumultuous world of oil, capital, revolutions, and wars. It is as much a portrait of one man's journey as it is a reflection of a nation's transformation and the relentless march of progress.

The Mattei Affair is a drama movie featuring Gian Maria Volonté.

It is possible to buy The Mattei Affair on Amazon Video.