This adaptation of Alberto Moravia's novel from director Bernardo Bertolucci is a masterful blend of Freud and Fascism. It examines the link between sexual and political repression in order to assess the impact of Italy's authoritarian past on its deeply divided present. Aided by Vittorio Storaro's luscious cinematography, Bertolucci perfectly captures the false sense of wellbeing exuded by Mussolini's regime. Jean-Louis Trintignant is superb as the conformist of the title, a victim of child abuse who has grown up with a desperate desire to belong. Paralysed by the contradictions of his life and times, he has developed a slavish allegiance to the party and agrees to assassinate his former tutor. Trintignant is ably supported by Stefania Sandrelli and Dominique Sanda in this disturbing, visually imposing and influential movie.

A weak-willed Italian man becomes a fascist flunky who goes abroad to arrange the assassination of his old teacher, now a political dissident.