Théâtre de l’éphémère. Le thème de la justice dans le cinéma italien

This article explores the representation of justice in Italian cinema, characterizing it as a "theatre of the ephemeral". Unlike the American legal drama, Italian films often depict the judicial process as a grotesque farce or a futile spectacle where truth remains elusive. Through the analysis of key works by directors such as Ettore Scola, Dino Risi, and Marco Bellocchio, the study examines how cinema reflects a profound disillusionment with the legal system. From the cynical archetypes of the commedia all'italiana to the operatic deconstruction of real-life trials like the Maxiprocesso, Italian cinema exposes justice as a fragile, theatrical construction deeply rooted in social hypocrisy.