Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli and Gastone Moschin Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci Rating: 15 Duration: 113 mins
Overview: At the peak of his creative powers the 29 year old Bernardo Bertolucci, eschewed the influence of mentor, Jean-Luc Godard and partnered up with Vittorio Storaro and developed his own style for one of the most visually dazzling, politically and psychologically intriguing and possibly greatest of all Italian films.
Told in a non linear structure that would go on to influence The Godfather Part II (not the only influence on Coppola’s film), the story begins in Rome, 1938. Marcello (Jean-Louis Trintignant) is a young fascist who takes on the job of assassinating his former professor who has fled to Paris. With his girlfriend (Stefania Sandrelli) in tow he meets the professor and his young wife (Dominique Sanda). A thriller as well as study of Italian politics and psychological character, Bertolucci’s Oscar nominated adaptation of Alberto Moravia’s novel (an adaptation Moravia greatly admired) has gone on to influence filmmakers such as Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann and remains one of the great triumphs of world cinema.
Arrow Academy is proud to present Bernardo Bertolucci’s masterpiece on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time in the UK.
Special Features:
- High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD presentation of the film
- HD restoration supervised by Director of Photography Vittorio Storaro in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio
-Original Mono 2.0 Audio [LPCM uncompressed on the Blu-ray]
-Audio commentary with Italian cinema expert David Forgacs
-Feature length documentary ‘Bernardo Bertolucci: Reflections on Cinema’ directed by Sandro Lai on Bertolucci’s career with on-set archive material and interviews [Blu-ray only]
- A comprehensive booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by critic Michael Atkinson a re-printed interview with Bernardo Bertolucci from 1971 and Bertolucci’s thoughts on filmmaking, illustrated with original stills.
Blu-ray Region B, 24 Psf, running time 112'51''
DVD Region 2, PAL, running time 108'12''
In Italian with optional English subtitles
