Salvatore Giuliano (1962) is an Italian film directed by Francesco Rosi, employing a neo-realist documentary style with a non-linear narrative structure. The film explores the rise and fall of the infamous Sicilian bandit Salvatore Giuliano, focusing on the lives of those around him rather than on Giuliano himself, who remains largely off-screen and is most notably seen as a corpse. The story unfolds through a series of fragmented episodes, showing the social and political environment in post-war Sicily and the various figures whose lives intersected with Giuliano’s.
The plot details Giuliano’s outlaw life, beginning with his involvement in the chaotic aftermath of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. As the island is thrown into turmoil, Giuliano becomes a fugitive after killing a police officer who attempted to arrest him for black-market food smuggling. The film portrays his transformation from a small-time criminal into a notorious bandit leader, whose actions stir both local and national political tensions. Giuliano forms a band of followers and becomes involved in the Movement for the Independence of Sicily, with his image evolving into that of a Robin Hood-like figure for some, while others view him as a ruthless criminal. The film touches on his role in the infamous Portella della Ginestra massacre, a tragic event linked to his group, though the true extent of their involvement remains unclear.
Despite his outlaw status, Giuliano is a figure of great importance in Sicilian politics, and the Italian government deploys hundreds of soldiers and police officers to track him down. The film presents a blend of personal drama, political intrigue, and social upheaval, culminating in Giuliano’s mysterious death in 1950. His story is framed through a mix of documentary-style interviews, archival footage, and dramatized reenactments, providing a multifaceted view of the bandit’s impact on his community and beyond.
Critic Derek Malcolm called the film “almost certainly the best film about the social and political forces that have shaped [Sicily,] that benighted island.” Gino Moliterno praised Rosi’s innovative approach, stating that the film combines journalistic documentary and fictional storytelling elements to seek the truth, which itself becomes the narrative.
David Gurevich noted the film’s striking combination of neo-realism, the media spectacle of La Dolce Vita, minimalist alienation in the style of Antonioni, and a time-shifting narrative that immerses viewers in the chaotic world of post-war Sicily. Terrence Rafferty observed that Salvatore Giuliano maintains a rare balance of immediacy and reflection, with a tone that is exciting yet contemplative and melancholic.
Director Martin Scorsese listed Salvatore Giuliano as one of his twelve favorite films of all time.
About Salvatore Giuliano
Salvatore Giuliano (Sicilian: Turiddu or Sarvaturi Giulianu; November 16, 1922 – July 5, 1950) was a notorious Sicilian bandit who became infamous in the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. He initially gained notoriety after killing a police officer who attempted to arrest him for black-market food smuggling, a critical issue in a post-war Sicily where much of the island’s food supply was controlled by the black market. Over time, Giuliano became a high-profile outlaw, leading a group of bandits and engaging in frequent clashes with the police.
Giuliano also played a role in Sicilian politics between 1945 and 1948, becoming a nominal colonel in the Movement for the Independence of Sicily. His group was linked to the Portella della Ginestra massacre, though the extent of their involvement is still debated. As his fame grew, Giuliano became a symbol of rebellion, but his activities also attracted significant government attention. The Italian government deployed up to 2,000 soldiers and police officers to hunt him down.
Giuliano’s death in 1950 remains shrouded in mystery. Historian Eric Hobsbawm described him as the last of the “people’s bandits” and the first to be extensively covered by modern mass media.
