The Protagonists is a 1999 Italian crime thriller film written and directed by Luca Guadagnino in his directorial debut. It stars Tilda Swinton and Fabrizia Sacchi.
The film had its world premiere at the 56th Venice International Film Festival on 8 September 1999. It was released in Italy on 10 September 1999 by Medusa Distribuzione.
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Premise
The film chronicles an Italian film crew who are in London making a reconstruction of the real-life killing of Egyptian chef Mohamed El-Sayed by the two 19-year-olds Jamie Petrolini and Richard Elsey in 1994.
Cast
Tilda Swinton as Actress
Fabrizia Sacchi as herself
Andrew Tiernan as Mohammed
Claudio Gioè as Happy
Paolo Briguglia as Billy
Michelle Hunziker as Sue
Jhelisa as herself
Laura Betti as Judge
Production
Production on the film began in 1998, with principal photography taking place in London.
Release
The Protagonists had its world premiere at the 56th Venice International Film Festival on 8 September 1999. The film was released in Italy on 10 September 1999 by Medusa Distribuzione.
It was released in the United Kingdom on DVD on 13 October 2014 by Argent Films.
Critical reception
The film received negative reviews from Italian critics.