The Challenge

“A classic of late neorealism, Rosi’s solo directorial debut was made after his apprenticeship under Luchino Visconti and bears some resemblance to the master’s La terra trema. A tense, exciting film set in a decidedly unpicturesque Naples, The Challenge centers on the rise of the ambitious Vito, who begins as an insignificant contraband dealer and quickly becomes a marketeer the Mafia has to contend with. When the camorra attempts to enforce its monopoly on the local vegetable market and Vito refuses to comply, his ‘challenge’ to the local power structure brings disaster. Praised by Alberto Moravia, The Challenge established Rosi’s reputation as an important director, and can now be seen as a forceful first statement of his themes: the social reality of Italy’s South; the abuse of power and the collusion between the Mafia, business and the state; the attractions and traps of power” (Cinematheque Ontario). “Very controlled and self-assured . . . Clearly indebted to both American social and crime films on the one hand and to Italian neorealism on the other, the film nevertheless displays what is already an extremely original style” (Gino Moliterno, Senses of Cinema). B&W, 35mm, in Italian with English subtitles. 95 mins.