Sttanight at 21.20 on Rai 3 goes on air The traitor. starring Pierfrancesco Favino as Tommaso Buscetta. The movie traces the life of the repentant, from his arrest in Brazil resulting in extradition to Italy until death, passing through the maxi-trial which led to the condemnation of the representatives of Cosa Nostra. Directed by Mark Bellocchiowon 7 Silver Ribbons and 6 David di Donatello. It is also available on Netflix.
The traitorthe plot of the movie
In the early 80’s, the Palermitan and Corleonesi families at the head of the Cosa Nostra control the world drug trade. Behind an apparent peace, signs of an impending feud. After the party of Stefano Bontate (Goffredo Maria Bruno), which sees the participation of the most powerful criminal groups, Tommaso Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino), known as Masino, exponent of the Palermo clan, decides to return to Brazil with his wife Cristina (Maria Fernanda Cândido) and daughters. He entrusts his sons Benedetto (Gabriele Cicirello) and Antonio (Paride Cicirello) to his friend Pippo Calò (Fabrizio Ferracane).
Shortly after, a real war begins: heinous murders committed now by one, now by the other. Among the victims, Buscetta’s brother and two sons. Meanwhile, the plan to escape to Brazil proves unsuccessful when it comes arrested by the police. Attempt suicideyou save, but in 1984 he was extradited to Italy.
No longer having any power, he risks being killed by the Corleonesi, under the aegis of Toto Riina (Nicola Cali). Giovanni Falcone (Fausto Russo Alesi) comes into play. The anti-mafia judge proposes that he collaborate with justice. Buscetta accepts and it is the beginning of a new page in Italian history. Reveal names, surnames, regulations. It provides all the useful information to the judiciary to dismember the organization. Despite the collaboration, he refuses to be called a pentito. He only says that he has decided to speak because he no longer recognizes himself in the new mafia.
Tommaso Buscetta, from the maxi-trial to death
Buscetta’s decision is followed by that of Salvatore Contorno (Luigi Lo Cascio). Thanks to their revelations, Falcone can draw a clear picture of Cosa Nostra and trigger hundreds of arrests. In 1986 the famous maxi trial began in the bunker room of the Ucciardone prison in Palermo. A courtroom capable of withstanding missile attacks, built specifically because no courtroom could have accommodated the 475 defendants, in addition to lawyers and witnesses. Tommaso Buscetta becomes the traitor, as a key witness.
“The traitor”, Pierfrancesco Favino is Tommaso Buscetta. (01Distribution)
However, something unexpected occurs in the process. Pippo Calò denies ever knowing him. The other defendants first ask for a confrontation with the repentant, but then reconsider. In the end, all plead innocent, but are convicted. The death sentence issued by Cosa Nostra weighs on Buscetta. Which is why he is placed under protection in the United States. His choice, however, causes repercussions on his family of origin: several relatives are killed, including his brother-in-law.
On May 23, 1992 Giovanni Falcone died in the Capaci massacre. Buscetta he had promised him that he would return to Italy and makes some important revelations about the alleged relationship between the mafia and politics. Giulio Andreotti ends up under the spotlight, but during the trial, his defenders highlight some inconsistencies between the statements made by Buscetta over time.
“The traitor”: Pierfrancesco Favino (Tommaso Buscetta) and Maria Fernanda Cândido (Cristina) in a scene from the film. (Fabio Lovino)
On 15 January 1993 Totò Riina was arrested and the pentito was informed of the death of his sons Antonio and Benedetto. The friends Pippo Calò and Salvatore Cancemi killed them. He returned to the United States, to Miami, where he died on April 2, 2000 after an illness.
For Pierfrancesco Favino yet another test as a quick-change artist
The traitor is not only a film about one of the key figures of Cosa Nostra and a photograph of the mafia of the 80s and 90s, but also the umpteenth challenge won by its protagonist. Pierfrancesco Favino has accustomed the public to continuous physical and vocal transformations based on the character he is called to interpret. Here he acts in Palermitan and Portuguese, both cases proving credible.
The following year, in 2020, it was the turn of Hammametin which he wore the role of Bettino Craxi. For this further performance – equally extraordinary – he was awarded the 2021 Silver Ribbon as best leading actor. In 2022 he stars in Nostalgia and learn Arabic. He therefore confirms himself as an all-round actor, certainly the most versatile on the Italian scene.
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