They Have Changed Their Face

They Have Changed Their Face is a 1971 Italian satirical horror film that delves into the dark undercurrents of capitalism and consumer culture. Directed by Corrado Farina, known for his inclination towards avant-garde and provocative storytelling, this film stands out for its allegorical approach and social commentary, rather than delivering straightforward horror.

Set against the backdrop of the late '60s and early '70s—a time when Europe was experiencing significant cultural and political changes—the film stars Adolfo Celi, best known for his role as the villain in the James Bond film "Thunderball," as Giovanni Nosferatu, the enigmatic and charismatic CEO of a powerful corporation. Geraldine Hooper and Giuliano Esperati appear in supporting roles, contributing to the eerie and unsettling ambiance that permeates the film.

The premise of They Have Changed Their Face revolves around a young and ambitious employee named Alberto Valle (played by Giuliano Esperati). Valle works for a large and influential auto company, a thinly veiled critique of consumer capitalism's seductive and vampiric nature. Valle is invited by the reclusive and mysterious Nosferatu to his private estate, which is nestled in a remote, forested area—setting the stage for an exploration of modern-day exploitation and the loss of individuality in the face of consumerism's relentless march.

Upon his arrival, Alberto finds himself in a surreal, dream-like world, completely disconnected from the reality he is accustomed to. Nosferatu's mansion is filled with odd characters and bizarre occurrences, and Alberto is both intrigued and unnerved by the strange customs and practices he encounters. As Alberto spends more time at the estate, he begins to realize that the company's success hides a much more sinister reality, and Nosferatu is at the heart of it.

Adolfo Celi's portrayal of Giovanni Nosferatu is a standout in this film. His character is a powerful figure that symbolizes the manipulative and seductive power of big corporations, drawing an allegorical parallel with the classic figure of the vampire, which adds a layer of gothic tension to the corporate environment. Nosferatu is a modern-day Dracula, charming and cunning, someone who exercises control over others not through physical dominance, but through societal and psychological manipulation.

Geraldine Hooper's role, though smaller, is no less impactful. She represents the innocence and purity that is at risk of being corrupted by the system. Her character adds a sense of vulnerability to the film and emphasizes the human cost of the corporate machine's relentless pursuit of profit and power.

They Have Changed Their Face is lauded for its visual style, which blends the ordinary with the surreal to craft an unnerving atmosphere. Corrado Farina uses a mix of stark contrasts, unconventional camera angles, and disorienting editing techniques to lend an almost nightmarish quality to the narrative. The film employs a subtle use of horror elements—there's no overt gore or jump scares, but rather a creeping dread that builds as the protagonist uncovers more about the company's dark secrets.

The film's soundtrack also plays a key role in setting the tone. A mix of eerie electronic music and period-appropriate pop creates an unsettling soundscape that underscores the film's exploration of modernity's alienating effects.

They Have Changed Their Face is not just a traditional horror movie; it is a cerebral piece of cinema that challenges viewers to consider the dehumanizing effects of corporatism and consumerism. It critiques the way in which society can be willingly seduced by the promise of luxury and success, often at the expense of moral and ethical considerations. The movie questions what it means to be truly free in a world where one's identity and desires are shaped by market forces and where individual autonomy is often sacrificed at the altar of material gain.

The film's title itself is a metaphor for the transformation individuals and society undergo in the relentless pursuit of material success—a change not just in outward appearance but in fundamental values and humanity. In the end, They Have Changed Their Face is a cult classic that continues to resonate with audiences due to its timeless critique of societal issues that remain as relevant today as they were at the film's release. The movie stands as a testament to Farina's unique vision and the power of cinema to reflect and critique the social concerns of its time.