Composer · Director
Gillo Pontecorvo
1919 – 2006
Full page on IMDbWho they are
- Born
- 19 November 1919, Pisa, Italy
- Died
- 12 October 2006
- Known for
- The Battle of Algiers
, Burn!, Kapo
Gillo Pontecorvo (1919–2006) was an Italian director, trained as a chemist, who came to film after working as a journalist and taking part in anti-fascist resistance. He is best known for politically charged dramas about colonialism and oppression. His documentary-style The Battle of Algiers remains a landmark of political cinema.
Where to start
The Battle of Algiers (1966)Full guide
His masterpiece: a newsreel-style reconstruction of the Algerian independence struggle, hugely influential on political and realist filmmaking.
Burn! (1969)Log in to add it to the library
Colonial-era drama starring Marlon Brando, continuing his exploration of imperialism and revolt.
Kapo (1960)Log in to add it to the library
Controversial concentration-camp drama that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
The Wide Blue Road (1957)Log in to add it to the library
His first fictional feature, about a poor Adriatic fisherman, made after his documentary shorts.
Operation Ogre (1979)Log in to add it to the library
Political thriller about the 1973 assassination of Franco's prime minister, Carrero Blanco, by Basque militants.
Their films in the library
Awards
- 1966: Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival (The Battle of Algiers)
- 1961: Oscar nomination, Best Foreign Language Film (Kapo)
- 1969: Oscar nomination, Best Director (The Battle of Algiers)
The full list · 23
- 1946OutcryLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Pietro
- 1955GiovannaLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1957The Wide Blue RoadLog in to add it to the libraryDirector · Actor as (uncredited)
- 1957The Wind RoseLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1960KapoLog in to add it to the libraryDirector · Composer
- 1966The Battle of AlgiersLog in to add it to the libraryDirector · Composer
- 1969Burn!Log in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1979Operation OgreLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1984Farewell to Enrico BerlinguerLog in to add it to the libraryDirector · Actor as Self
- 1984SabatoventiquattromarzoLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 198912 Directors for 12 CitiesLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1992Pontecorvo: The Dictatorship of TruthLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 1992Return to AlgiersLog in to add it to the libraryDirector · Actor as Himself
- 1995Rome, November 12, 1994Log in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 1996The StupidsLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Talk show guest
- 1998Homo CinematographicusLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2002The Spring of 2002 - Italy Protests, Italy StopsLog in to add it to the libraryDirector
- 2004Marxist Poetry: The Making of The Battle of AlgiersLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2004Five Directors On The Battle of AlgiersLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2005Elio Petri: Notes About a FilmmakerLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2007Gillo of Ladies and Knights, of Loves and ArmsLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2009Franco Cristaldi e il suo cinema ParadisoLog in to add it to the libraryActor
- 2018La Bataille d'Alger, l'empreinteLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self (archive footage)
Filmography data from TMDB. The profile text is a draft written for Cinespective.