ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sunday Morning Movie Screens Francesco Rosi's The Mattei Affair

other · 2026-08-09

The Sunday Morning Movie series presented Francesco Rosi's 1972 film 'The Mattei Affair' (Il caso Mattei), a political conspiracy drama about Italian oil executive Enrico Mattei, who died in a plane crash in 1962. The film, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1972 (tied with another Italian film), stars Gian Maria Volonté as Mattei. Rosi's non-linear narrative investigates the mysterious circumstances of Mattei's death, suggesting possible foul play by oil conglomerates. The screening also included a preview of next week's film, 'Løperjenten' (1981), and a correction regarding a previous attribution. The post includes reviews from Letterboxd and Films Fatale, as well as notes from filmmaker Alex Cox, who is writing a book on the film. Additionally, the post features a selection of music albums and experimental films, including Fernand Léger's 'Ballet Mécanique' (1924) and a surreal horror film 'CREEPSHOW'.

Key facts

  • The Mattei Affair (1972) was screened in the Sunday Morning Movie series.
  • The film is directed by Francesco Rosi and stars Gian Maria Volonté as Enrico Mattei.
  • It won the Palme d'Or at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, tied with another Italian film.
  • The film investigates the 1962 plane crash death of Enrico Mattei, suggesting conspiracy.
  • Next week's film is Løperjenten (1981).
  • The post includes a correction: last week's Fritz Lang selection was provided by reader AG, not AK.
  • Alex Cox contributed notes for a book on the film, written for undergraduates.
  • The post also features music albums and experimental films, including Ballet Mécanique (1924).

Entities

Artists

  • Francesco Rosi
  • Gian Maria Volonté
  • Enrico Mattei
  • Fernand Léger
  • Dudley Murphy
  • Kiki de Montparnasse
  • George Antheil
  • Alex Cox
  • Tonino Guerra
  • Nerio Minuzzo
  • Tito Di Stefano

Institutions

  • Cannes Film Festival
  • Letterboxd
  • Films Fatale
  • AGIP
  • Soviet Union

Locations

  • Italy
  • Vienna
  • Belgium
  • Japan

Sources