The films of director Pasquale Squitieri rarely veer from the subject matter contained in "Savage Breed," although this title from 1980 is a bit more subtle than some of his other films like "The Climber," and "Corleone," and the epic "Gang War In Naples." This one is more personal, an intimate story about a family, uprooted from their home in Naples, when husband and father Mario relocates his wife and daughter to Rome, in search of work and a better life. It seems that the more cultured Italians look at the "Neopolitans" with utter disdain, and openly insult them, laughing at their dialect and their rural customs. And wife Michelina finds her life in the city, lonely and utterly miserable. "Razza selvaggia" introduces the story's anti-hero Mario, by showing the viewer his current life situation. He works in a depressing factory for little pay, and other than the local bar, there is little to occupy his time. His wife complains and he is frustrated that his 14 year old daughter is having problems reading in school, and learning the new dialect. Actor Saverio Marconi is very believable as Mario, with his ice blue eyes, reflecting the despair and the coldness of the city in winter. Things shift gears at the half hour mark, when Mario returns home to visit his old gang in Naples, in particular, his long time best friend Umberto, and surrounded by the energy of his friends he remembers what happiness feels like. But the feeling is short lived, after a night on the town with his buddy, when he learns that Umberto has become a heroin addict in his absence. An overdose lands him in the hospital, where Mario learns the extent of his friend's illness, as the doctor explains that Umberto's health has been compromised and that he will die if he doesn't break his addiction. The one million lire that it will cost to put Umberto into a clinic isn't easy to come by, and when Mario returns home to attempt to raise the funds needed to save his friend, he learns who his friends are, and who his enemies are. Things come crashing down when his wife betrays him in the worst possible way, with an action that destroys their family. Those familiar with the films of Pasquale Squitieri will recognize his way of telling a story, the family drama and the social commentary on life in Italy. There is a gangster storyline here as well, but this is not the main focus of the film. As of this writing "Savage Breed" remains one of the rarest titles of Pasquale Squitieri, with no video release available commercially. The only copy in existence is one recorded off Italian television and shared on torrent sites. I was happy to find that copy, and for the opportunity to see this great film. Definitely worth tracking down for fans of the director, and of quality Italian cinema.
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