Bernardo Bertoluccis Il conformista (The Conformist) (1970) a political drama set in Mussolinis Fascist Italy is widely recognised as a masterpiece of post-war cinema a classic of Italian & European cinema & an inspiration for many other film-makers particularly those of the American New Wave. Christopher Wagstaffs illuminating study of the film traces its pre-production & production history considering how Bertolucci adapted Alberto Moravias source novel for the screen. He provides a careful analysis of Il conformistas formal stylistic & aesthetic strategies paying close attention to editing lighting & mise en scene & their contribution to the films impact. Wagstaff also addresses debates about the sexual politics of the film & its place in a wider political & cultural debate about the legacy of fascism. This special edition of Il conformista is published to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BFI Film Classics series.