The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist

The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist, released in 1977 and directed by Umberto Lenzi, is a thrilling and quintessential Italian crime flick that serves as the perfect dose of hard-hitting action, gritty suspense, and well-timed humor. The movie stars Maurizio Merli, John Saxon, and Renzo Palmer, showcasing some notable performances that project their characters with the right mix of intensity and charisma.

Merli takes the lead Marlowe-style role as Leonardo Tanzi, a tough and strait-laced lawman with an unwavering sense of justice. Merli’s performance is suitably hardened, painting the image of a man driven by his duty to keep the city safe against the relentless tide of crime. Renzo Palmer, on the other hand, portrays the role of a high-ranking police official, Commissioner Astalli, characterised by his strict adherence to the legal system and bureaucratic processes. Lastly, the seasoned actor John Saxon breathes life into the fearsome Mafia boss, Luigi "Chinaman" Maietto, providing the movie with its principal antagonist.

The plot of this Italian pulp thriller is a race against time and the forces of law and order, structured around the dynamics of the complex and challenging world of 1970s' Rome, a city grappling with a surge in organized crime. The film opens, establishing a tense atmosphere and setting the stage for a gripping game of cat-and-mouse that ensues between Tanzi (Merli), Maietto (Saxon) and Astalli (Palmer).

Leonardo Tanzi is a rugged and tough-as-nails police inspector who's tireless in his pursuit of justice. However, he is not your typical by-the-book law enforcer; he's willing to cross certain moral lines to ensure the felons are faced with their repercussions. He is compelled by a haunted past and a quest to clean the city. His methods are ruthless and unreservedly harsh and therefore often put him at odds with his superiors, primarily with Commissioner Astalli.

On the other hand, Maietto is a menacing character with a nihilistic worldview, commanding a vast underworld empire with a steely resolve and a iron-clad fist. His character is as sophisticated as it is barbaric, exhibiting the perfect balance between cold-hearted guile and charismatic allure.

The film's title illuminates the intense, triangular dynamic that drives the larger narrative. The "Cynic," Leonardo Tanzi, is sceptical of the complacent law enforcement agencies. The 'Rat' is Luigi Maietto, whose rat-like street smarts and predatory instincts make him a formidable enemy. Astalli, the 'Fist,' signifies the inflexible arm of the state, which, despite being constrained by legal bureaucracy, strives to maintain law and order.

At its heart, The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist is an exploration of the blurred boundaries between good and evil in a world where crime and justice are often two sides of the same coin. Leonardo Tanzi's unconventional ways and his cynical worldview is pitted against Luigi Maietto's ruthless criminal enterprise and Commissioner Astalli's bureaucratic adherence.

The movie presents an array of intense, kinetic action sequences from electrifying car chases through the beautiful Italian landscapes to vivid shootouts and raw, hand-to-hand combat scenes. Along with its hard-boiled dialogue, the film also possesses a certain noir-like aesthetic, employing shadow and light effectively, portraying a Rome that is at once beautiful and menacing.

Riveting performances by Merli, Saxon, and Palmer complemented by the tensely atmospheric narrative make The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist a captivating watch. While it distinctively uncovers the twilight world of Italian crime, it also subtly posits questions about authority, morality, and the cost of justice, making it an interesting study for those interested in character-driven narratives. Leaning heavily on its compelling characters and intense action sequences, the film is exemplary of 70's Italian crime cinema and is sure to be a treat for genre enthusiasts.