Devil in the Flesh (1986 film)

Devil in the Flesh is a 1986 Italian erotic thriller film directed by Marco Bellocchio and starring Federico Pitzurra and Maruschka Detmers. The film is a controversial adaptation of the 1903 novel Le Diable au corps by Raymond Radiguet.

The plot revolves around a young high school student, Andrea (Federico Pitzurra), who becomes involved in a passionate and destructive affair with Giulia (Maruschka Detmers), a young woman whose fiancé is imprisoned for terrorist activities. Their relationship is characterized by intense sexual encounters, moral ambiguity, and social transgression. The film explores themes of forbidden desire, youthful rebellion, political disillusionment, and the destructive nature of obsessive love.

The film generated considerable controversy upon its release due to its explicit sexual content and its perceived endorsement of amorality. Some critics praised its artistic merit and its unflinching portrayal of youthful passion, while others condemned it as exploitative and irresponsible. The film's explicit nature led to censorship in some countries.

Despite the controversy, Devil in the Flesh remains a significant work in Marco Bellocchio's filmography and a notable example of Italian erotic cinema. It is remembered for its intense performances, provocative themes, and its unflinching exploration of taboo subjects. It departs significantly from the source material in its political setting and the explicit nature of the relationship depicted.