Italian Organized Crime in Films and History

Catalog description

Through an analysis of historical, anthropological, literary, political and cinematic texts, explores representations of the Italian organized crime in Italian and American films from the early 20th century to today. Discovers different 'Mafias' originating in Italy, but whose reach extends much further, such as the Cosa Nostra in Sicily, the Camorra in Naples, and the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria. Examines the fiction, stereotypes, myths and legends surrounding the mafia through a scrupulous analysis of some of the most important American and Italian films portraying mafia culture. Italians have used the medium of film to address the issue of the mafia, raising awareness about the harsh reality of life in the mafia and the ways in which it reaches into every aspect of Italian politics and society. Explores how Italian mafia films subvert international fascination with the mafioso by disrupting the glamorized myths that are mainly perpetuated by American popular cinema.