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.

Cast

Luchino Visconti

as Self (archive footage)

Vittorio Gassman

as Self (archive footage)

Giuseppe De Santis

as Self (archive footage)

Carlo Lizzani

as Self

Burt Lancaster

as Self (archive footage)

Massimo Girotti

as Self (archive footage)

Jean Marais

as Self (archive footage)

Suso Cecchi d'Amico

as Self

Franco Zeffirelli

as Self

Marcello Mastroianni

as Self (archive footage)

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