Gewalt und Leidenschaft (1974)

Gewalt und Leidenschaft: Directed by Luchino Visconti. With Burt Lancaster, Helmut Berger, Silvana Mangano, Claudia Marsani. A reclusive retired professor is faced with confronting modernity when a group of vulgar youths led by an obnoxious marchesa take up residence in his unused upper residence.

“On a second viewing after a 35 year gap, I am convinced this is indeed a lovely work and a major work of Visconti. This is is also one of those rare films that an actor–Burt Lancaster–helped a director to make a great film. (One recalls Kirk Douglas prevailing on Stanley Kubrick to change the ending of Paths of Glory, only to make it a major work of cinema). Here, Burt Lancaster, staked his own money to complete the film as producers backed out noticing the director was ill and could die before the film was completed.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOne major fact that I did not realize was the title did not relate to conversations in the movie but was a well known (in the world of paintings) title for a series of paintings. That makes you to reassess the entire film. The film is a study of Italy through the eyes of three generations and their varied values on social interactions, art, politics, architectural design, music, et al.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOnce you evaluate the film on the basis of the painteru0026#39;s decision to change the very trees and objects in his painting compared to the photograph taken of the same scene, the movieu0026#39;s stature itself changes. The opening credits that begin with a blast followed by the electrocardiogram graph roll streaming out unattended is a Visconti masterstroke.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThat the film was made by the director sitting on a wheel chair is impressive. Is it a film about acquiring possessions or about understanding people? Both. One realizes the importance of understanding human behaviour of strangers, as one educated professor was withdrawing into solitude surrounded by books, works of art and great music. And his life changes for the richer experience in his sunset years. A great film indeed with superb performances from Burt Lancaster and Silvana Mangano. The cameos of Claudia Cardinale and Dominique Sanda do not contribute much except in providing insights into the character of the professor.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHighly recommended for serious viewers of good quality cinema.”