The story of the descent into madness of Mussolini's secret first wife, Ida Dasler, who was seduced by his passion and vigor but blind to the fascist dictator's many flaws.
Acting
Mezzogiorno's unraveling is devastating — Oscar-snubbed and criminal.
Direction
Bellocchio turns archival footage into psychological warfare.
Production
Fascist pageantry so seductive you'll hate yourself for feeling it.
Director
Marco Bellocchio
Giovanna Mezzogiorno
Ida Dalser
Filippo Timi
Benito Mussolini
Fausto Russo Alesi
Riccardo Paicher
Michela Cescon
Rachele Guidi
Pier Giorgio Bellocchio
Pietro Fedele
Corrado Invernizzi
Dottor Cappelletti
Paolo Pierobon
Giulio Bernardi
Bruno Cariello
Giudice
Francesca Picozza
Adelina Dalser
Simona Nobili
Madre Superiora
Vanessa Scalera
Suora Misericordiosa
Giovanna Mori
Tedesca
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ida Dalser's existence was suppressed so thoroughly that her documents were only rediscovered in 2005. Bellocchio started filming within months.
The film sparked legal battles in Italy over whether Mussolini's descendants could sue for 'defamation' — proving Bellocchio's point about fascist legacy.
IT
