Usually when I do finally see a foreign film, it's usually made by one of three directors I like: Federico Fellini, Akira Kurosawa or Luchino Visconti. In this case, I saw Visconti's The Leopard. It intrigued me because two of its main stars weren't Italian; one was American (Burt Lancaster), the other French (Alain Delon). This doesn't mean I'm viewing it as a bad thing. In fact, The Leopard contains some of their best work.
Lancaster's work here reminded me that of his work in Atlantic City. Both films have his characters witnessing change in a society they knew by heart, their statuses slowly becoming meaningless. Once towering figures now shifting to a lesser role. Also with both roles, you can see the wear and tear the changes have made on them just by looking at their faces.
Knowing Visconti, I could sense his meticulous eye for detail would be used here. Boy, is it ever. The ball scene alone will make your eyes dazzle. (Such care in details can also be seen in Senso.) The plot is interesting because it doesn't particularly focus on one topic. No matter. Just bask in what Visconti has to offer.
The Leopard has to be one of the most gorgeously shot films made. That is thanks to cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno. In fact, everything in The Leopard is to die for. The acting, Visconti's direction and eye for detail, Rotunno's cinematography, Nino Rota's score...everything. If you don't believe me, see it for yourself.
My Rating: *****
I feel guilty for not having seen this one, but it's on my watchlist. Other foreign directors I think you'll like are: Francois Truffaut, Vittorio De Sica, Ingmar Bergman, Michelangelo Antonioni, Krzysztof Kieslowski. I'm working on a top 50 directors post which will be up next Friday.
ReplyDeleteGood review, I agree this is one of the most beautiful films ever made.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorites. You hear Lancaster and Sicilian prince and think WTF?!? Then you see the movie and you can't imagine anyone else in the role.
ReplyDeleteI love it when he explains that they can use his name, but he will not go and join the new government. That to the South, the Northerners are colonizing them.
Visconti had a personal attachment to the material because he was descended from a royal line. I think it was his grandfather or great-grandfather who essentially was The Prince.
The book is good too, but not as good as the film.
Glad you enjoyed it! By the way, did you spot Terrence Hill in the movie?
Glad you enjoyed it.
For some reason I did not know Burt Lancaster was headlining in this film. Nice review - certainly something I'd like to check out.
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