The name of the book comes from the phrase "excellent cadavers" (cadaveri eccellenti) or "illustrious corpses", used in Italy when referring to high-profile victims of the Mafia such as politicians, judges and police chiefs (as opposed to less public victims claimed by day-to-day Mafia business). A fictional movie bearing the title Cadaveri Eccellenti (Illustrious Corpses in English) was made in Italy in 1975, directed by Francesco Rosi and starring Lino Ventura.[1]
In 2005, a documentary of the same name was released in the US, directed by Marco Turco. Produced in Italy, where the work is known as In un altro paese, the documentary is based on, and to some extent updates, Stille's book. Stille, one of the script writers, serves as narrator and tour guide on the scenes of crimes and explains their causes and consequences. Letizia Battaglia, a photojournalist and anti-Mafia activist, plays the role of survivor and passionate eyewitness.[3][4]
