The Bastard (1968)

The Bastard Poster
Original Title: I bastardi

A criminal (Giuliano Gemma) seeks vengeance when his double-dealing brother (Klaus Kinski) steals his jewels and mutilates his shooting hand.

Introduction
"The Bastard" is a 1968 Italian movie directed by Duccio Tessari and starring Rita Hayworth, Klaus Kinski, and Giuliano Gemma. The movie, likewise called "The Cats" or "I Bastardi", is a drama that explores themes of family, betrayal, revenge, and the intricate relationships among three siblings who are vying for the love of their daddy. The movie was launched throughout a time when Italian cinema was dominated by the Spaghetti Western genre, and "The Bastard" sticks out for its special blend of drama and action, as well as its strong ensemble cast.

Plot Summary
The movie opens with Scott (Giuliano Gemma) going back to his family's estate after a long lack. Scott has lived a nomadic life, working as a cowboy and prizefighter, and has simply learned that his daddy, rich landowner Sir Reginald (Spencer Alexander Clark), is on his deathbed. Scott meets his brothers, Jason (Klaus Kinski) and Adam (Antonio Casas), who have been attending to their dad in his time of need. Sir Reginald, who was known to be a hateful and spiteful guy, has an ingrained bitterness towards his children, who have each taken a different course in life. As an outcome, Sir Reginald has actually willed his vast wealth and residential or commercial property to a guy he hardly understands, triggering a power struggle amongst his kids.

As the 3 brothers hang out together on their family's estate, ulterior intentions and hidden agendas begin to surface area. Scott and Jason rapidly develop a strong bond, as they both feel alienated from their daddy and desire to declare what they believe is rightfully theirs. Together, they plot to frame their sibling, Adam, for trying to steal an important piece of artwork, which would disqualify him from inheriting the family fortune.

In the middle of the developing stress, an alluring love triangle emerges including the bros and a stunning lounge vocalist named Walla (Rita Hayworth). Each brother tries to use Walla as a pawn in their fight for dominance and control, but she shows to be as cunning and manipulative as her potential captors. She seduces each bro in turn, setting off a chain of uncomfortable occasions that pushes the siblings towards a catastrophic fight.

Climax and Conclusion
As the bros' schemes begin to decipher and simmering resentments boil over, the movie barrels towards a violent fight. Stress in between the brother or sisters culminate in a public face-off, throughout which each bro employs their unique skills in a desperate battle for control of the family fortune. The battle, which involves an intense blend of skillful martial arts relocations and nail-biting fight series, considerably reveals the depths of the brothers' hatred and the lengths they will go to claim their daddy's inheritance.

In the end, the repercussions of the bros' harsh conflict far surpass any prospective advantages of their inheritance. The brother or sisters damage their daddy's estate, the very thing they sought to possess, in an explosive and destructive finale. Within the smoldering ruins of their household home, the siblings concern grips with the reality: in their mission for power and wealth, they have actually ruined everything that mattered most.

Analysis
"The Bastard" is a traditional example of Italian movie theater's ability to produce gripping, character-driven dramas that mix aspects of action, melodrama, and suspense. The film does an excellent job of depicting the complex relationships among its main characters, making the audience empathize with their struggles and the difficult choices they need to make.

The impressive efficiencies of the film's all-star cast, including Klaus Kinski and Rita Hayworth, elevate the film to brand-new heights, providing weight and believability to Tessari's elaborate and multi-layered script. In the end, "The Bastard" stands as a testimony to the power of storytelling and the long-lasting allure of Italian cinema in the 1960s.

Top Cast

  • Rita Hayworth (small)
    Rita Hayworth
    Martha
  • Giuliano Gemma (small)
    Giuliano Gemma
    Jason
  • Klaus Kinski (small)
    Klaus Kinski
    Adam
  • Margaret Lee (small)
    Margaret Lee
    Karen
  • Claudine Auger (small)
    Claudine Auger
    Barbara
  • Serge Marquand (small)
    Serge Marquand
    Jimmy
  • Umberto Raho (small)
    Umberto Raho
    Doctor
  • Carl Cik
    Policeman
  • Detlef Uhle
    T.V. Announcer
  • Paola Natale
    Dancer
  • Mirella Pamphili (small)
    Mirella Pamphili
    Dancer