No Way Out

Poliziottesco in a class of its own with Alain Delon and Richard Conte

A few years after "Gli bastardi" with Giuliano Gemma and Klaus Kinski and a year before "Uomo senza memoria" with Senta Berger and Luc Merenda, Duccio Tessari directed this mercilessly straightforward crime film that cools down the Italian mafia landscape with a few ice cubes of French existentialism . Excellently produced by Luciano Martino, the film grossed ITL 1.945 billion at the Italian box office.

Tony Arzenta (Alain Delon) lives as a contract killer in Milan and wants to retire to have more time for his wife (Nicoletta Macchiavelli) and child. The bosses aren't having it and are trying to snuff out Tony's life. This is going wrong! Instead, his wife and son die cruelly. Now Tony goes into hiding and takes cruel revenge on all bosses and accomplices. Really beautiful in the Ice Cold Angel style! This also goes to Germany and Denmark. At some point, Tony, who is supported by his friend Domenico Maggio (Marc Porel), gets fed up with murder. He wants to find peace in his home in Sicily. Then final boss Nick Gusto (Richard Conte) makes him a tempting offer...

This film features an array of stars from Italian genre cinema: Carla Gravina, Roger Hanin, Anton Diffring, Umberto Orsini, Silvano Tranquilli, Corrado Gaipa, Erika Blanc, Rosalba Neri, Ettore Manni and Loredana Nusciak are part of the cast. In addition to the Italian ambience, a touch of French touch is undeniable, but that also makes this film something special. Things are a little quieter, with long looks rather than fast car chases.

And then Golden Globe candidate (nominated in 1964 for "Il gattopardo") Alain Delon is simply in a class of his own. Seeing him in a Poliziottesco is simply worth a sighting.

Hit man revenge film.

A hit man wants out of the mob. The mob double crosses him. He gets some revenge by killing most of those involved.

This film has some strong action scenes. Some good chases. Lots of shooting. It's all done rather well. The acting better than average across the board here.

However, I was not a fan of the ending. I won't spoil it here. You'll either love it or hate it or ...not care either way. I didn't like it. A better ending, and this one could have been something special.

Stylish, moody, innovative revenge-driven bloodbath. Also cheesy, of course, and sporadically very cheesy. It reminded me a lot of The Big Heat because it has the revenge plot set off by the exact same event, and the girl comes around to the good guy's side because of the same bad behavior by the bad guy. It's sad there's no Gloria Grahame but so fantastic that it's Alain Delon and not Glenn Ford. Could there be anyone as beautiful as Alain going around in a cashmere sweater and trenchcoat? Yet he's totally tough and icy cool. No one nowadays can touch him--though someone like Jude Law could try I guess. Hard for any girl to look good with him. The music was funky and perfect and there were several excellent car chases (and those aren't generally my cup of tea)--especially one willy nilly one in the woods. People also met their dooms in creative and bloody fashion, for instance in a junkyard cruncher. But beyond the cheese, the overall atmosphere was affecting and expertly pulled off. More creativity, excitement and freshness in that "forgotten" movie than most of what I've seen lately.

as many others. at the first sigh. different not only for the experience of director in the genre but for Alain Delon. who gives the impeccable performance from many others roles of his career. Tony Arzenta is a film about Mafia but different by expectations. for the small details. for the way of revenge. for atmosphere. sure, for the end. the flavor of Scily story, old, patriarchal, deeply defined by tradition, only a nuance but one real important is the piece who defines this seductive thriller about a man looking his definition of justice. short, a film who must see. for story. and, more important, for interesting science to explore old clichés of genre in the inspired manner. a beautiful film.

No Way Out (original title: Tony Arzenta) (1973), directed by Duccio Tessari, is a gripping neo-noir thriller that marks a high point in Tessari's distinguished career. Starring the enigmatic Alain Delon as a mob hitman seeking to retire, the film plunges viewers into a gritty, suspenseful narrative filled with betrayal, violence, and moral ambiguity. With its compelling story and standout performances, this classic stands as a testament to Tessari's cinematic craftsmanship.

Alain Delon delivers a magnetic performance, embodying a man torn between his violent past and a desire for redemption. His portrayal is understated yet deeply affecting, anchoring the film's tension and emotional weight. The supporting cast, including Richard Conte and Carla Gravina, adds depth to the morally complex world Tessari creates, with characters that feel authentic and impactful.

Visually, the film is a masterclass in 1970s noir aesthetics, featuring shadowy cinematography and meticulously crafted action sequences. Tessari's direction ensures every frame contributes to the film's intense atmosphere, while the pacing maintains a taut balance between moments of quiet reflection and explosive action. The climactic shootouts are choreographed with precision, heightening the stakes as the story hurtles toward its inevitable conclusion.

A highlight of the film is its evocative soundtrack, particularly Ornella Vanoni's *L'appuntamento*, which perfectly complements the melancholic tone and underscores the protagonist's inner turmoil. The music lingers long after the credits roll, enhancing the film's emotional resonance.

No Way Out encapsulates the essence of Tessari's career, blending style, substance, and a profound exploration of human frailty. While its themes of loyalty and vengeance are well-trodden, the film's execution elevates it to a cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences decades later.

Rating: 8/10. A fitting capstone to Duccio Tessari's career, combining a compelling narrative, masterful direction, and an unforgettable soundtrack.