The 10th Victim

The 10th Victim

Year: 1965

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Elio Petri

Science FictionComedyDramaRelationship comedyDreamlike quirky and surreal storytelling

In a near‑future society where wars are avoided, violent individuals are given a sanctioned chance to kill in the Big Hunt. The Hunt, the world’s most popular sport, offers fame and fortune to participants who alternate ten rounds—five as hunter, five as victim—until only one remains. The cat‑and‑mouse chase makes it a survival spectacle.

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Timeline & Setting – The 10th Victim (1965)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The 10th Victim (1965). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

21st century

The story unfolds after World War III in a post-war, high-gloss society. Violent tendencies are channeled into a televised competition that runs across a global, media-saturated landscape. The world’s elite seek fame and fortune through ten rounds of perilous engagement, with retirement as the ultimate prize.

Location

Rome, Temple of Venus, the beach

In the near-future Rome serves as the main urban stage for The Big Hunt. The Temple of Venus is a key public backdrop for interviews and staged dangers, reflecting the game’s blend of mythic imagery and media spectacle. Beach locations appear as glamorous sets where seduction and danger play out in front of the cameras.

🏛️ Rome 🎬 Modern Satire 🌍 International Setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

Main Characters – The 10th Victim (1965)

Meet the key characters of The 10th Victim (1965), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marcello Polletti (Marcello Mastroianni)

A seasoned contestant who has already racked up six kills, yet finds his wealth dwindling as his mistress Olga and ex-wife Lidia cash in on his fame. He is resourceful, wary of manipulation, and willing to bend the rules to survive The Big Hunt. Despite the odds, he holds a pragmatic, cool-headed approach to the deadly game and the cameras watching his every move.

💼 Wealth 🎭 Charisma 🧭 Pragmatism

Caroline Meredith (Ursula Andress)

A victim-turned-strategist who travels to Rome and adopts the persona of a reporter to study Italian men's sexual preoccupations. She engineers a dramatic live-fire moment by drugging Marcello and intends to kill him on air, but the plan backfires. Her drive for fame and fortune makes her both dangerous and daring.

🎯 Ambition 🕵️‍♀️ Cunning 📺 Publicity

Olga (Elsa Martinelli)

Marcello's mistress who has spent his winnings on a lavish lifestyle. She represents the personal cost of the game’s glamour and demonstrates how wealth and romance can complicate strategic planning within The Big Hunt.

💎 Indulgence 💰 Financial Interests 🎭 Drama

Lidia (Luce Bonifassy)

Marcello's ex-wife, a participant in the web of financial and romantic entanglements that surround the game. Her role underscores how wealth and fame affect relationships, and how past choices continue to factor into present schemes.

💔 Past 💰 Wealth 🧭 Revenge

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

Major Themes – The 10th Victim (1965)

Explore the central themes of The 10th Victim (1965), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Media Spectacle

The film exposes how reality is manufactured for audiences and sponsors. The Big Hunt is designed to deliver high ratings, blending violence with glamour. Characters manipulate events and themselves to perform for the cameras, blurring the line between life and entertainment.

💰 Wealth & Power

Money drives every move, from sponsorships to personal vendettas. Past winnings being spent by lovers and ex-spouses highlight the fragility of wealth in a fame-obsessed world. The pursuit of retirement riches fuels betrayals, schemes, and alliances.

❤️ Love & Escape

Romance emerges amid manipulation as Caroline and Marcello drift from prey and hunter to partners. Their plan to break free from The Big Hunt culminates in a spontaneous marriage, suggesting that human connection can outlive the spectacle. The finale, with a celebratory shower of flowers, reframes the game as a miracle of escape rather than conquest.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

Unlock the Full Story of The 10th Victim

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The 10th Victim Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The 10th Victim, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The 10th Victim Summary

The 10th Victim Timeline

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The 10th Victim Timeline

More About The 10th Victim

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The 10th Victim (1965) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The 10th Victim (1965) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The 10th Victim (1965) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow