The Mattei Affair Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Mattei Affair.
The Mattei Affair Ending Explained: Enrico Mattei helped change Italy’s future, first as freedom-fighter against the Nazis, then as an investor in methane gas through a public company, A. Directed by Francesco Rosi, this 1972 drama film stars Gian Maria Volonté (Enrico Mattei), alongside Luigi Squarzina as liberal journalist, Peter Baldwin as William McHale, Renato Romano as journalist. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Mattei Affair?
Enrico Mattei helped change Italy’s future, first as freedom-fighter against the Nazis, then as an investor in methane gas through a public company, A.G.I.P., and ultimately as the head of ENI, a state body formed for the development of oil resources. On October 27, 1962, he died when his private airplane crashed during a flight to Milan. Officially, it is declared an accident, but many journalists explore other plausible reasons for Mattei's untimely death.
Francesco Rosi's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Gian Maria Volonté (Enrico Mattei)'s journey. , and ultimately as the head of ENI, a state body formed for the development of oil resources.
How Does Gian Maria Volonté (Enrico Mattei)'s Story End?
- Gian Maria Volonté: Gian Maria Volonté's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Francesco Rosi delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 56m runtime.
- Luigi Squarzina (liberal journalist): Luigi Squarzina's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Peter Baldwin (William McHale): Peter Baldwin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The Mattei Affair Based on a True Story?
Yes — The Mattei Affair draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Francesco Rosi has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The Mattei Affair Mean?
The ending of The Mattei Affair ties together the narrative threads involving Gian Maria Volonté. Francesco Rosi chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.