Bernardo Bertolucci’s unforgettable adaptation of Alberto Moravia’s novel takes us behind the facade of its lead character, unforgettably essayed by Jean-Louis Trintignant (who died earlier this year at the age of 91), a weak-willed and banal man who becomes a pawn of Fascists with the greatest of ease. A visual masterpiece, and one of the greatest films ever made. Richly designed by Ferdinando Scarfiotti to reflect the fashions and imposing architecture of the Mussolini era, the film is stunningly shot by Vittorio Storaro, whose gleaming, dynamic cinematography later proved an inspiration to American directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, the Coen Brothers and Woody Allen. (in Italian w/ English subtitles)
Released: 1970
Run time: 113
