The Conformist

Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci, 1970, Italy (9.8*)
This brilliant and artistic crime film has influenced every similar film since, notably Coppola's Godfather series. He even used Bertolucci's cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, who would only have his film developed by a special process available nowhere but Rome, hence the dark, saturated color look that is entirely unique. Bertolucci's film is about a man, Jean-Louis Trintignant in his best role, who supports the fascist government of Italy at the expense of his conscience, just to conform and fit into society. This film brilliantly shows the dangers of selling out your ethics ("soul") to succeed in what may be a temporary situation. Dominique Sanda is the ravishing beauty that tortures his soul. Includes a beautiful shot that equates blowing leaves with death, copied many times since. Definitely Bertolucci's masterpiece, one of the best foreign language films ever.