“Visconti pictures have often had an undercurrent of silliness, and in this one the silliness is very close to the surface; however, there’s grandeur in the director’s follies and in his allowing his sexual and political obsessions to be displayed so openly… It’s an idiosyncratic film, it’s cuckoo – an old man’s film (partly directed from a wheelchair) – but it’s very likeable.”– Pauline Kael
“A haunting film. Beautiful to look at and to listen to." – James Price, Sight & Sound
“One of Visconti's most personal works." – Jordan Cronk, Slant Magazine
Opens February 14 | A retired professor and art lover leads a solitary life in his abode in Rome. Countess Bianca Brumonti insists on renting a floor of his mansion. He agrees in exchange for a unique painting that he wants for his collection. The arrival of the countess’ eccentric family turns his quiet life upside down. Silvana Mangano and Helmut Berger star alongside Burt Lancaster in the roles of Bianca and her young lover – central characters in this family possessing rather unusual moral values. In the film, the professor succumbs to the charms of Konrad Huebel, despite his vulgar nature. A strange relationship – based on desire and domination – comes to exist between them. For some, this fictitious couple is a metaphor for the relationship that was formed between Luchino Visconti and Helmut Berger.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu