The Climber [Blu-ray]

"The Climber" (1975) is directed by Pasquale Squitieri, a filmmaker known for his daring portrayal of the Camorra and Sicilian Mafia in his Italian gangster films. The movie follows the rise to power of a young hoodlum who refuses to be controlled by older gangsters and instead builds his own empire. Starring Joe Dallesandro, a favorite of Andy Warhol's art-house scene, the lead character exudes both handsomeness and an authentic wiseguy swagger. While the plot may not offer many surprises, viewers are drawn in by the gritty street aesthetics and the backdrop of Naples. Unlike other Italian eurocrime features from the 70s that can be exploitative or cynical, "The Climber" maintains a realistic tone without excessive melodrama. Overall, it is a cool movie with an impressive release by Arrow Films.

I'm grateful to Arrow for bringing this lesser-known crime film back into the spotlight with their impressive dual format edition (DVD/Blu-Ray). With both Italian and English soundtracks, as well as optional English subtitles, it caters to a wider audience. The performances by Joe Dallesandro and Stefania Casini are truly captivating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Many thanks!

Featuring Joe Dallesandro in a remarkable role, this film greatly influenced Brian De Palma's Scarface and drew inspiration from The Godfather. A must-watch for fans of the genre.