The Cynic, the Rat and the Fist

Late-cycle Castellari, made when everyone involved was visibly exhausted, and the fatigue works for it. Three men, a cynical cop, a rat and a brutal enforcer, circle a Rome that has run out of energy for the whole game.

It is grimmer and more resigned than the mid-decade films, as if the genre itself knew it was ending. Maurizio Merli and John Saxon bring weight to the weariness.

A fitting near-end to the cycle: the poliziottesco with its adrenaline finally spent.