La Commare secca (The Grim Reaper)

La Commare secca (The Grim Reaper) (1962)

  • 86% of critics liked it
    (7 reviews)

  • 66% of users liked it
    (563 ratings)

A very young Bernardo Bertolucci already shows his talent in this bleak, 94-minute murder mystery, told in an interesting series of flashbacks. A Roman prostitute has been brutally murdered in a park near the Tiber River and in order to forward their investigation, the police corner a handful of… More

Unrated,
Directed By
Written By
Pier Paolo Pasolini
Genres
Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1962 Wide
On DVD
Feb 1, 2005
Criterion Collection

Critic Reviews

  • , Time Out

    Offers more than filmographic interest.

  • A.H. Weiler, New York Times

    Mr. Bertolucci's dissections reveal the lying and viciousness common to these beasts in the human jungle.

  • J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

    The result is stylish and occasionally haunting.

  • Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

    Bernardo Bertolucci the poet, declaring a change of medium

  • Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

    Never loses its grip on the viewer.

Read all 6 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • AJ V


    This movie reminds me so much of Roshomon, but slower and more boring. There are some good scenes, but for the most part, it's not a great movie. It's just okay.

  • Walter M


    In "La Commare Secca," a prostitute(Wanda Rocci) has been murdered in a park. The police have cast their net far and wide for leads while the disembodied voice of law and order interviews possible witnesses and suspects who might have seen anything. Making matters more… More

  • Mike T


    Experimentally smart and well-paced, Bertolucci's vision was kept on a tight leash as a result of a clearly restrictive budget. Nevertheless, it's an interesting and inolving picture, and it's a tremendous achievement from such a young filmmaker. It's obviously… More

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