The Conformist (1970)
Jean-Louis Trintignant: Marcello Clerici
Photos
Quotes
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Italo : A normal man? For me, a normal man is one who turns his head to see a beautiful woman's bottom. The point is not just to turn your head. There are five or six reasons. And he is glad to find people who are like him, his equals. That's why he likes crowded beaches, football, the bar downtown...
Marcello : At Piazza Venice.
Italo : He likes people similar to himself and does not trust those who are different. That's why a normal man is a true brother, a true citizen, a true patriot...
Marcello : A true fascist.
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Marcello : Ten years ago, my father was in Munich. Often, after the theater, he told me that he'd go with friends to a Bierstube. There was a nutty man they thought a fool. He spoke about politics. He was quite an attraction. They'd buy him beer and encourage him. He'd stand up on the table making furious speeches. It was Hitler.
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[denies a rumor regarding his father]
Marcello : You see, the origin of my father's mental illness isn't venereal. That can be medically confirmed.
Giulia's Mother : By the way, my little girl has had the mumps, scarlet fever, and German measles.
Marcello : They're all very moral maladies.
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Professor Quadri : Clerici, you had me convinced you were the typical new Italian.
Marcello : No such type exists yet, but we're creating him.
Anna : Through repression?
Marcello : No, through example.
Anna : Giving him castor oil? Throwing him into prison? By torturing them? Blackmailing?
Professor Quadri : Anna, please, dear, calm down. Clerici is a fascist. I'm an anti-fascist. We both knew. And we decided to have supper together all the same.