Diabolik

For decades, Diabolik – a character created by the Giussani sisters in 1962 – has been a sort of forbidden fruit for directors and international producers. The rights holders kept the series well under wraps, preventing the exploits of Italy’s most famous thief from making it to the big screen. This conservative approach to guarding the series was a result of the 1968 film directed by Mario Bava, which was perceived to have betrayed the spirit of the original. Eventually, the Manetti Bros. broke through and acquired the rights, promising that they would be faithful to the original series.

The adaptation starts with the third comic book in the series, introducing Eva Kant, Diabolik’s lover and accomplice. With Eva by his side, Diabolik becomes a multifaceted and fascinating character. A ruthless criminal greedy for jewellery, he’s the antithesis of the modern comic book superheroes depicted in popular cinema. A figure darker than noir, seemingly devoid of any humanity, who doesn’t hesitate to pull out a knife when necessary.

A box office hit in Italy, Diabolik is a film that stands in stark contrast to American productions, relying on an ‘old school’ tradition that makes it a gem in contemporary cinema.

–  Manlio Gomarasca

Trailer

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