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Luchino Visconti

A chronological look at the creative life of Luchino Visconti (1906-1976). It examines his theatricality, role in the neorealist movement, use of melodrama, and relation to decadence. It touches on the impact of a fabulously wealthy childhood, his writing for "Cinema," his politics, his work with Renoir, his appreciation of Thomas Mann, and his deep knowledge of literature and the arts. Visconti moves constantly between film and the theater, staging plays provocatively, working with Maria Callas at La Scala, and shooting films in theaters. Clips from his films and interviews with actors, crew members, and critics provide details for this portrait of creativity.

Top Cast

  • Luchino Visconti

    Luchino Visconti

    Self (archive footage)

  • Vittorio Gassman

    Vittorio Gassman

    Self (archive footage)

  • Giuseppe De Santis

    Giuseppe De Santis

    Self (archive footage)

  • Carlo Lizzani

    Carlo Lizzani

    Self

  • Burt Lancaster

    Burt Lancaster

    Self (archive footage)

  • Massimo Girotti

    Massimo Girotti

    Self (archive footage)

  • Jean Marais

    Jean Marais

    Self (archive footage)

  • Suso Cecchi d'Amico

    Suso Cecchi d'Amico

    Self

  • Franco Zeffirelli

    Franco Zeffirelli

    Self

Overview

A chronological look at the creative life of Luchino Visconti (1906-1976). It examines his theatricality, role in the neorealist movement, use of melodrama, and relation to decadence. It touches on the impact of a fabulously wealthy childhood, his writing for "Cinema," his politics, his work with Renoir, his appreciation of Thomas Mann, and his deep knowledge of literature and the arts. Visconti moves constantly between film and the theater, staging plays provocatively, working with Maria Callas at La Scala, and shooting films in theaters. Clips from his films and interviews with actors, crew members, and critics provide details for this portrait of creativity.

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