A weak-willed Italian man becomes a fascist flunky who goes abroad to arrange the assassination of his old teacher, now a political dissident.

A commentary on fascism and beauty alike, Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist is acclaimed for its sumptuous visuals and extravagant, artful cinematography.

'The Conformist' stands as a visual masterpiece with Vittorio Storaro's breathtaking cinematography and Bertolucci's directorial brilliance creating an intellectually challenging exploration of fascism and conformity. The production design and philosophical depth earn universal acclaim, with Jean-Louis Trintignant delivering an exceptional performance. However, viewers remain divided on emotional engagement, with some finding the characters psychologically complex while others experience detachment. The symbolism receives mixed reactions, occasionally feeling too obvious despite the film's overall subtlety and artistic vision.