When an African dictator jails her husband, Shandurai goes into exile in Italy, studying medicine and keeping house for Mr. Kinsky, an eccentric English pianist and composer. She lives in […]
When an African dictator jails her husband, Shandurai goes into exile in Italy, studying medicine and keeping house for Mr. Kinsky, an eccentric English pianist and composer. She lives in […]
An American couple drift toward emptiness in postwar North Africa.
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The story of a young man who meets his own likeness and uses him to fulfill his dreams.
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When Isabelle and Theo invite Matthew to stay with them, what begins as a casual friendship ripens into a sensual voyage of discovery and desire in which nothing is off […]
A recently widowed American begins an anonymous sexual relationship with a young Parisian woman. Last Tango in Paris (1972) is a provocative drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, known for its […]
The epic tale of a class struggle in twentieth century Italy, as seen through the eyes of two childhood friends on opposing sides. 1900 (Novecento), directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is […]
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A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half […]
Bernardo Bertolucci: The Poet of Italian Cinema
Bernardo Bertolucci was an iconic Italian filmmaker whose career spanned six decades, leaving an indelible mark on global cinema. Known for his lyrical storytelling, bold themes, and lush visual style, Bertolucci’s works often explored complex human relationships, political ideologies, and the intersection of personal and societal transformation.
From his early poetic explorations in Before the Revolution (1964) to the controversial and groundbreaking Last Tango in Paris (1972), and the epic historical sweep of The Last Emperor (1987), Bertolucci’s films remain landmarks of cinematic artistry.
Early Life and Inspirations
Born on March 16, 1941, in Parma, Italy, Bertolucci grew up surrounded by art and literature. His father, Attilio Bertolucci, was a renowned poet, and this literary influence deeply shaped Bernardo’s storytelling sensibilities.
Bertolucci initially studied modern literature at the University of Rome but was drawn to filmmaking after working as an assistant director for Pier Paolo Pasolini on Accattone (1961). Pasolini’s influence was evident in Bertolucci’s early work, particularly in his poetic, socially conscious approach to filmmaking.
Early Career: A Political and Personal Lens
Bertolucci’s second feature, Before the Revolution (1964), established him as a voice of the Italian New Wave. The semi-autobiographical film explored themes of youthful idealism, disillusionment, and the tensions between personal desires and political commitment.
As Bertolucci’s career progressed, he continued to intertwine the personal with the political.
Key Early Films:
The Conformist (1970): Widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, this visually stunning film delves into themes of political compliance and moral cowardice in Mussolini-era Italy. Jean-Louis Trintignant’s portrayal of a man willing to betray others to fit into a fascist regime remains one of cinema’s most compelling character studies.
Last Tango in Paris (1972): Starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, this controversial film explored raw sexuality, grief, and emotional vulnerability. While praised for its audacious storytelling and Brando’s performance, the film sparked heated debates over its explicit content and ethical concerns, particularly regarding Schneider’s treatment during production.
International Acclaim: The Last Emperor
Bertolucci achieved global recognition with The Last Emperor (1987), a biographical epic about the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. Filmed on location in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the film’s sweeping visuals, rich historical narrative, and intimate character portrayal captivated audiences and critics alike.
The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, making Bertolucci the first Italian director to win an Oscar in this category. Its success cemented his place among cinema’s greats and demonstrated his ability to merge grand historical narratives with deeply personal storytelling.
Hallmarks of Bertolucci’s Style
Visual Poetry
Bertolucci’s films are known for their meticulous composition, vibrant colors, and dynamic camera movements. He often collaborated with visionary cinematographers like Vittorio Storaro, whose work on The Conformist and The Last Emperor brought an almost painterly quality to the screen.
Exploration of Identity and Power
Recurring themes in Bertolucci’s films include the search for identity, the impact of political ideologies, and the dynamics of power—whether personal, sexual, or societal. His characters often grapple with their place in a changing world, reflecting Bertolucci’s own philosophical and political concerns.
Complex Human Relationships
From the forbidden love in Stealing Beauty (1996) to the intense familial and sexual dynamics in The Dreamers (2003), Bertolucci’s work often explored the intricacies of human emotion and connection.
Later Career
While Bertolucci’s later films did not achieve the same level of acclaim as his earlier works, they continued to reflect his interest in personal and cultural transformation.
Stealing Beauty (1996): A coming-of-age drama set in Tuscany, starring Liv Tyler, this film marked a departure from his political narratives, focusing instead on themes of youth, love, and self-discovery.
The Dreamers (2003): Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots, this film is a meditation on youth, politics, and art, blending sensuality with nostalgia.
In his final years, Bertolucci explored smaller, more intimate stories, such as Me and You (2012), a poignant tale of sibling bonds and isolation.
Legacy
Bernardo Bertolucci’s work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences with its daring storytelling and visual grandeur. His films pushed boundaries, both thematically and aesthetically, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, identity, and human desire.
Though some of his works remain controversial, Bertolucci’s commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience has left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
Conclusion
Bernardo Bertolucci’s films are a testament to the power of art to reflect and challenge society. Whether exploring the intimate or the epic, he brought a poetic sensibility to every frame, leaving behind a body of work that is as provocative as it is beautiful. A master of his craft, Bertolucci remains a towering figure in the history of filmmaking, his stories as relevant and resonant today as they were when first told.