Blu-ray Review: The Sicilian

The Sicilian stars Christopher Lambert as Salvatore Giuliano, a bandit who becomes a hero to the people of Sicily. It was written by Steve Shagan (who also wrote Primal Fear), based on the novel by Mario Puzo, who of course also wrote The Godfather. The book in fact is sort of a sequel to The Godfather, with Michael Corleone appearing at the beginning. The film version, however, opens with Professor Hector Adonis (Richard Bauer) visiting Aspanu (John Turturro) in jail, and does not include the Corleone connection. The film was directed by Michael Cimino, who is known mostly for directing The Deer Hunter, for which he won the Oscar. And now the director’s cut has been released on Blu-ray (it is approximately thirty minutes longer than the theatrical release).

After the brief first jail scene, the movie goes back in time to tell the story of Salvatore Giuliano and his rise in popularity and then his fall. He and Aspanu are carting a coffin through the countryside when stopped by the police, who discover that the coffin contains stolen grain that Giuliano intends to distribute among the peasants. The ensuing altercation results in a policeman being shot and killed, and Giuliano being shot as well. After stealing two horses from the estate of Prince Borsa (Terence Stamp), they flee to the protection of some priests. This is only the first time that Giuliano seems to cheat death, and his luck is part of what draws people to him. While healing in the care of the priests, he gains a new sense of invulnerability.

At the same time, we see the power of Don Masino Groce (Joss Ackland). There is a scene where Don Masino goes to the University of Palermo to ask that his nephew be given a degree to become a surgeon. One person at the university tells him no outright, and then after Don Masino has left, Professor Adonis turns to that man and tells him he’ll have to leave Sicily, that no one says no to Don Masino. One of the interesting aspects of this film is the paternal feelings that Don Masino has toward Giuliano, even before meeting him. Giuliano is the sort of son Don Masino wishes he had. At the same time, you know a confrontation is brewing that cannot end well for both men.

The film is burdened with some clunky dialogue, like “Don’t worry, opposites attract, they say”; “Well, if you want to be an angel, you’ve got to change your shoes” and “What are you going to do?”/”Save the world, what else?” (all of those examples being from the same scene). But there is some good dialogue as well. Like when Giovanna asks Giuliano why he doesn’t run for president of Sicily, Giuliano responds: “I’ve killed too many people. Or maybe not enough.” And later when they are driving through the streets of Palermo, and Giovanna worries that he’ll be recognized, Giuliano says, “I don’t look like me all dressed up, do I?” She responds, “Well, you don’t look like someone who wants to help the poor.” Giuliano then says: “I bought you that dress because you are poor. I bought this suit because I am poor.” And when Aspanu warns Giuliano that a man will betray him, Giuliano responds: “Betray me? Only a friend can do that.”

Certainly, the film isn’t as good as The Godfather (though it is much better than The Godfather Part III), and Christopher Lambert is no Al Pacino. But it’s an enjoyable film, with plenty of good moments. And it’s beautifully shot. Alex Thomson was the director of photography. Thomson also was the cinematographer on such films as Excalibur, Labyrinth and Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet. And Terence Stamp is excellent, as always. He always brings something unexpected to the roles he plays. For example, check out his reaction when Giuliano and his men show up at his estate to rob his guests of their valuables.

The Sicilian was released on Blu-ray on March 29, 2016 through Shout! Factory. The disc does not contain any special features.