Un uomo perbene (1999) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

The film follows Enzo Tortora through arrest, accusation, conviction, appeal, and ultimate acquittal.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Arrest at the Plaza

Enzo Tortora is arrested at the Hotel Plaza after Giovanni Pandico identifies him as connected to organized crime. The accusation also links him to cocaine couriering.

Key Events

• Early Morning Arrest — Enzo Tortora is arrested at 4:00 a.m. on June 17, 1983. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Hotel Plaza, Rome
• Pandico's Identification — Giovanni Pandico identifies Tortora as linked to the Nuova Camorra Organizzata. Characters: Giovanni Pandico, Enzo Tortora Location: Rome
• Trafficking Allegation — Pandico also accuses Tortora of being a cocaine courier for Raffaele Cutolo. Characters: Giovanni Pandico, Enzo Tortora Location: Rome
• Defense Counsel Assigned — The plot states that lawyers Della Valle, Dall'Ora, and Coppola handle Tortora's defense. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Rome
• Months Under Accusation — Tortora remains under accusation during the months following his arrest. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Italy

Accusations Become Indictment

Tortora faces continuing accusations and confrontations with informants. The Naples court later indicts 640 defendants, including Tortora.

Key Events

• Informant Confrontations — Tortora faces confrontations with fellow informants who continue accusing him. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Italy
• Persistent Allegations — The accusations remain connected to the original identification by Giovanni Pandico. Characters: Enzo Tortora, Giovanni Pandico Location: Italy
• Mass Indictment Issued — On August 17, 1984, the Naples court indicts 640 defendants, including Tortora. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court
• Tortora Named Defendant — The indictment formally includes Enzo Tortora among the 640 defendants. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court

The Weight of Conviction

The first-instance trial begins and eventually produces a ten-year-and-seven-month sentence. The conviction becomes the central legal setback.

Key Events

• First Trial Begins — The first-instance trial begins on February 4, 1985. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court
• Evidence Is Contested — The trial continues while Tortora faces the accusations presented against him. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court
• Appeal Hearing Opens — The appeal hearing begins on May 20, 1986. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Appeal court
• Trial Reaches Conclusion — The first-instance proceedings conclude on September 17, 1986. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court
• Initial Conviction — Tortora receives a sentence of ten years and seven months in prison. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Naples court

The Defense Reopens Hope

The appeal hearing begins, and the defense presents a seven-hour oral argument. The case moves toward a decisive appellate verdict.

Key Events

• Defense Argument Begins — On September 1, attorney Della Valle delivers the defense's seven-hour oral argument. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Appeal court
• Seven-Hour Defense — The extended oral argument presents the defense position during the appeal. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Appeal court
• Verdict Deliberation — The appeal court approaches its scheduled verdict after the defense argument. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Appeal court

Acquittal Confirmed

The appeal court fully acquits Tortora on September 15, 1986. The Supreme Court of Cassation upholds the acquittal in June 1987.

Key Events

• Full Acquittal — At 11:00 a.m. on September 15, 1986, the court fully acquits Tortora. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Appeal court
• Acquittal Upheld — The Supreme Court of Cassation upholds the acquittal on June 17, 1987. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Supreme Court of Cassation
• Legal Ordeal Ends — The final ruling ends Tortora's lengthy legal battle with the acquittal confirmed. Characters: Enzo Tortora Location: Supreme Court of Cassation

Story Breakdown

• Arrest at Plaza — The legal ordeal begins with Tortora's early-morning arrest in Rome.
  • Hotel Plaza Arrest — Tortora is arrested at 4:00 a.m. on June 17, 1983.
  • Initial Criminal Claims — He is accused of organized-crime membership and cocaine couriering.
• Pandico's Accusation — Giovanni Pandico's identification directly triggers the case against Tortora.
  • Suspect Identification — Pandico identifies Tortora as connected to the Nuova Camorra Organizzata.
  • Courier Allegation — Pandico alleges that Tortora transported cocaine for Raffaele Cutolo.
• Enduring Legal Pressure — Tortora remains under accusation while confronting continuing informant allegations.
  • Informant Confrontations — Tortora faces fellow informants who persist with their accusations.
  • Defense Preparation — The defense is handled by lawyers Della Valle, Dall'Ora, and Coppola.
• Mass Naples Indictment — The Naples court expands the case into an indictment involving 640 defendants.
  • Six Hundred Forty — The indictment issued on August 17, 1984 names 640 defendants.
  • Tortora Included — Enzo Tortora is formally included among the indicted defendants.
• Conviction and Setback — The first-instance proceedings culminate in a severe prison sentence.
  • First Trial Opens — The first-instance trial begins on February 4, 1985.
  • Ten-Year Sentence — Tortora is sentenced to ten years and seven months in prison.
• Appeal and Acquittal — The defense appeal overturns the legal direction of the case and ends in final acquittal.
  • Seven-Hour Argument — Della Valle delivers the defense's seven-hour oral argument.
  • Verdict Upheld — The appeal court fully acquits Tortora, and the Supreme Court of Cassation upholds the result.

Directed by

Maurizio Zaccaro

Key Cast

• Michele Placido — Enzo Tortora
• Stefano Accorsi — Raffaele della Valle (avvocato)
• Giovanna Mezzogiorno — Silvia Tortora
• Mariangela Melato — Anna Tortora
• Leo Gullotta — Giovanni Pandico