# Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion

> 1970 film by Elio Petri

**Wikidata**: [Q1299410](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1299410)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_a_Citizen_Above_Suspicion)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/investigation-of-a-citizen-above-suspicion

## Summary
*Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion* is a 1970 Italian film directed by Elio Petri, co-written by Ugo Pirro, and set in a small Italian town where a man is arrested for murder. The film won multiple awards, including the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix and the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, cementing its status as a significant work in Italian cinema. It is a crime drama that explores themes of justice, suspicion, and societal hypocrisy.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Elio Petri, an Italian filmmaker (1929–1982), known for his contributions to Italian cinema.
- Co-written by Ugo Pirro, an Italian screenwriter and novelist (1920–2008).
- Released in Italy on February 9, 1970, and in the United States on December 20, 1970.
- Won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix (1967–present) and the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (1957–present).
- Also received the David di Donatello for Best Film (1969–present) and Best Actor (1955–present), as well as the FIPRESCI Prize of the Festival de Cannes (1946–present).
- A drama film and crime film, set in a small Italian town.
- Produced in Italy (inception: 1861–03–17, constitutional referendum: 1946–06–18).
- Sitelink count: 36 (indicating notable online references).

## FAQs
- **What awards did *Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion* win?** It won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the David di Donatello for Best Film, and the FIPRESCI Prize of the Festival de Cannes.
- **Who directed and wrote the film?** It was directed by Elio Petri and co-written by Ugo Pirro.
- **What genre does the film belong to?** It is a drama film and a crime film.
- **Where and when was the film released?** It was released in Italy on February 9, 1970, and in the United States on December 20, 1970.
- **What is the film about?** The film follows a man arrested for murder in a small Italian town, exploring themes of justice and suspicion.

## Why It Matters
*Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion* is significant for its exploration of societal hypocrisy and the flaws in the justice system. Its awards, including the Cannes Grand Prix and an Academy Award, highlight its critical acclaim and influence on Italian cinema. The film’s portrayal of a small-town setting and its themes of suspicion and justice make it a notable work in the crime drama genre. Its recognition at prestigious film festivals and awards ceremonies underscores its cultural and artistic impact.

## Notable For
- Winning the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, one of the festival’s most prestigious awards.
- Receiving the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, recognizing its global significance.
- Being awarded the David di Donatello for Best Film and Best Actor, solidifying its status in Italian cinema.
- Receiving the FIPRESCI Prize, an honor from the international film critics association.
- Being a key work in the crime drama genre, exploring themes of justice and societal hypocrisy.

## Body
### Overview
*Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion* is a 1970 Italian film directed by Elio Petri and co-written by Ugo Pirro. The film is set in a small Italian town where a man is arrested for murder, raising questions about justice and suspicion. It is classified as both a drama film and a crime film, reflecting its exploration of serious themes.

### Awards and Recognition
The film won several prestigious awards, including the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix (1967–present), the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (1957–present), the David di Donatello for Best Film (1969–present), and the FIPRESCI Prize of the Festival de Cannes (1946–present). These accolades highlight its critical acclaim and influence on Italian cinema.

### Production and Release
Produced in Italy (inception: 1861–03–17, constitutional referendum: 1946–06–18), the film was released in Italy on February 9, 1970, and in the United States on December 20, 1970. Its production in Italy and subsequent international release contributed to its cultural impact.

### Creators
- **Elio Petri** (1929–1982) was an Italian filmmaker known for his contributions to Italian cinema. He directed *Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion* and held various occupations, including filmmaker and screenwriter.
- **Ugo Pirro** (1920–2008) was an Italian screenwriter and novelist who co-wrote the film. He held multiple occupations, including screenwriter, novelist, and journalist.

### Genre and Themes
The film is classified as both a drama film and a crime film, exploring themes of justice, suspicion, and societal hypocrisy. Its genre classification and thematic focus set it apart in the film industry.

### Cultural Impact
The film’s awards and recognition, including the Cannes Grand Prix and an Academy Award, underscore its cultural and artistic significance. Its exploration of justice and suspicion in a small-town setting makes it a notable work in the crime drama genre.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065889/)
2. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/indagine-su-un-cittadino-al-di-sopra-di-ogni-sospetto/23849/)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=3591.html)
4. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/investigation-of-a-citizen-above-suspicion-re-release)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1971)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](http://www.kviff.com/en/films/film-detail/4231-investigation-of-a-citizen-above-suspicion/)
9. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion. Rotten Tomatoes
10. Freebase Data Dumps
11. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065889/parentalguide)
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/37427)
14. mymovies.it
15. The Movie Database
16. Bechdel Test Movie List
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/3A15-DCF0-0AB1-E41A-5F53-H)
18. Trakt.tv
19. FilmVandaag.nl