While often categorized alongside other Italian "coming-of-age" dramas of the era, La Disubbidienza stands out for its intellectual depth. It avoids the sentimentality often found in the genre, opting instead for a cold, almost clinical observation of how historical trauma shapes individual identity. It remains a significant work for those interested in the cinematic adaptations of Moravia’s literature and the exploration of the "Italian soul" during the post-war transition.
Alberto Moravia (novel), Aldo Lado, Barbara Alberti, Amedeo Pagani Music Composer: Ennio Morricone Cinematographer: Dante Spinotti Runtime: 98 minutes (1 hour 38 minutes)
User reviews on IMDb and other platforms reveal a more nuanced picture. Some viewers found the plot "very silly", but others praised its ambition. A significant number of reviewers appreciated the film's willingness to tackle "irritating topics," such as the hypocrisy of the Italian upper class, the conformism of communists, and the sexual relations between an adolescent and adult women. La Disubbidienza -1981- Imdb
With its memorable performances, striking cinematography, and Elio Petri's masterful direction, La Disubbidienza is a must-see for anyone interested in Italian cinema or the art of filmmaking in general. If you're looking for a film that will challenge your perspectives and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, then La Disubbidienza is an excellent choice.
As their relationship deepens, Luisa encourages Aldo to confront his inner demons and challenge the authority figures in his life. However, their interactions take a dark turn, and Aldo becomes trapped in a web of psychological manipulation, coercion, and possibly even violence. Alberto Moravia (novel), Aldo Lado, Barbara Alberti, Amedeo
The cinematography utilizes soft focus and warm, golden tones that contrast sharply with the ugly reality of the characters' relationships. This visual irony—beauty masking decay—is the film's strongest asset. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, is minimal and haunting, utilizing melancholic piano motifs that underscore the tragedy of a childhood lost to corruption.
The film holds a user rating of approximately , indicating a polarized audience. Many mainstream critics at the time found the film to be flawed. One Italian reviewer noted that while director Aldo Lado created a "suggestive, delicate, but ultimately little more than elegant" product, it suffered from unconvincing characters and a lack of historical accuracy. Other contemporary sources were even harsher, labeling it a "failed film" that lost much of the complex link between politics and sex found in Moravia's original novel. Angela becomes Luca's lover
On IMDb and classic film forums, La Disubbidienza is often discussed as a transition piece for director Aldo Lado, who was primarily known for his stylish giallo thrillers ( Short Night of Glass Dolls , Who Saw Her Die? ).
Falling ill with pneumonia, a despondent Luca decides to let himself die. He is pulled back from the brink of death by two women. The first is Edith (Teresa Ann Savoy), a mature and experienced woman who was also her father's former lover. She saves his life and introduces him to the world of sex. When Edith suddenly dies of a heart attack, Luca becomes sick again and is once more saved by Angela (Stefania Sandrelli), a nurse who sells herself to buy the medicine to cure him. Angela becomes Luca's lover, and when his parents return from Rome, Luca decides to leave them forever, despising their lives and the world they represent.