Bernardo Bertolucci. The name itself conjures images of sweeping landscapes, opulent interiors, and a visceral exploration of human desire and political turmoil. A cinematic titan whose career spanned over half a century, Bertolucci was a master of visual storytelling, a provocateur who fearlessly delved into the complexities of sex, class, and history, often blurring the lines between personal and political. His films were not mere entertainment; they were immersive experiences, demanding engagement and sparking fervent debate. To truly understand his legacy is to journey through his rich and often controversial filmography, dissecting his distinctive style, celebrating his triumphs, and acknowledging the enduring impact he had on the art of cinema.
Born in Parma, Italy, in 1941, Bertolucci’s destiny seemed intertwined with the world of art from the outset.
His father, Attilio Bertolucci, was a renowned poet and film critic, and the young Bernardo grew up surrounded by intellectual discourse and artistic appreciation.It was Pier Paolo Pasolini, a close friend of his father, who provided Bertolucci with his first foray into filmmaking, offering him the role of assistant director on Accattone (1961). This early exposure proved formative, igniting a passion that would define his life.
Bertolucci’s directorial debut came swiftly with La Commare Secca (1962), a neo-realist influenced whodunit that already hinted at his burgeoning visual flair and his fascination with the underbelly of society. However, it was his subsequent works that began to solidify his unique cinematic voice. Before the Revolution (1964), a passionate and visually arresting film, showcased his early engagement with political themes, particularly the disillusionment of a young bourgeois man grappling with Marxist ideals. The film’s fluid camerawork, evocative use of music, and exploration of youthful idealism established Bertolucci as a director with a distinct vision.
The late 1960s saw Bertolucci further refine his style with films like Partner (1968), a surreal and experimental work influenced by the student protests of the era, and The Conformist (1970), a masterpiece that catapulted him to international acclaim. The Conformist is arguably one of the most visually stunning and intellectually complex films of its decade. Based on Alberto Moravia’s novel, it tells the story of Marcello Clerici (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a man desperately seeking normalcy and acceptance within the fascist regime. Bertolucci’s masterful use of light and shadow, his elaborate set designs, and Vittorio Storaro’s breathtaking cinematography created a world of unsettling beauty, mirroring the protagonist’s internal conflict and the seductive yet sinister nature of fascism. The film’s intricate narrative structure, its exploration of psychological repression, and its potent symbolism cemented Bertolucci’s reputation as a director capable of weaving together political commentary with profound psychological insight.
Following the critical and commercial success of The Conformist, Bertolucci embarked on a film that would forever be etched in cinematic history, albeit with a significant degree of controversy: Last Tango in Paris (1972). This intensely intimate and sexually charged drama starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider polarized audiences and critics alike. Its raw depiction of a volatile and anonymous sexual relationship between an American widower and a young Parisian woman challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of on-screen representation. Bertolucci’s unflinching gaze, combined with Brando’s powerful and often improvisational performance, created a film of undeniable emotional intensity. However, the film was also embroiled in controversy due to Schneider’s later accusations of feeling exploited during the filming of a particularly graphic scene. This controversy has cast a long shadow over the film and Bertolucci’s legacy, prompting ongoing discussions about consent and power dynamics in filmmaking.
Despite the controversy surrounding Last Tango in Paris, Bertolucci continued to create ambitious and visually striking films throughout the 1970s. 1900 (1976), a sprawling five-hour epic, chronicled the lives of two families – one of landowners and one of peasants – in Italy from the beginning of the 20th century through the rise of fascism. With a star-studded international cast including Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster, and Donald Sutherland, the film was a monumental undertaking, showcasing Bertolucci’s ability to handle large-scale narratives and his continued exploration of Italian history and social dynamics.
The 1980s marked a shift in Bertolucci’s filmmaking, with a move towards more visually opulent and thematically romantic narratives. The Last Emperor (1987) proved to be his most commercially successful and critically acclaimed film, sweeping the Academy Awards with nine wins, including Best Director and Best Picture. This grand historical epic told the story of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, from his childhood in the Forbidden City to his life under communist rule. Bertolucci’s meticulous attention to detail, Vittorio Storaro’s stunning cinematography, and the film’s sweeping scope created a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience. The Last Emperor not only showcased Bertolucci’s mastery of visual storytelling but also demonstrated his ability to navigate complex historical and cultural landscapes with sensitivity and nuance.
Following the triumph of The Last Emperor, Bertolucci continued to explore themes of cultural clash and personal transformation in visually rich settings. The Sheltering Sky (1990), based on Paul Bowles’ novel, followed an American couple’s journey through the exotic and unforgiving landscapes of North Africa, exploring themes of alienation, mortality, and the search for meaning. Little Buddha (1993) intertwined the story of a young American boy believed to be the reincarnation of a Buddhist lama with the historical narrative of Siddhartha Gautama’s path to enlightenment. These films showcased Bertolucci’s enduring fascination with spiritual and philosophical questions, set against breathtaking backdrops.
In the later stages of his career, Bertolucci returned to more intimate and personal narratives. Stealing Beauty (1996) explored themes of adolescence, grief, and self-discovery as a young American woman travels to Tuscany after her mother’s death. Besieged (1998) offered a poignant and sensual story of a young African refugee and an English pianist in Rome. These films, while smaller in scale than his epics, retained Bertolucci’s signature visual style and his focus on the complexities of human relationships and emotions. His final film, Me and You (2012), a low-budget chamber piece about a troubled teenager and his estranged half-brother, offered a more introspective and melancholic note to his illustrious career.
Bertolucci’s Style: A Symphony of Vision and Sensuality
What defines a “Bertolucci film”? Beyond the thematic concerns, his cinema is instantly recognizable for its distinctive stylistic elements:
- Visual Opulence and Sensuous Cinematography: Bertolucci was a master of visual language. He collaborated extensively with legendary cinematographers like Vittorio Storaro, and their partnership resulted in some of the most visually stunning films ever made. His films are characterized by their rich color palettes, dramatic lighting, fluid camera movements (including his signature sweeping tracking shots), and meticulous attention to composition. Every frame feels carefully constructed, evoking a sense of beauty, unease, or heightened emotion. He used the camera not just to record action but to actively participate in the storytelling, guiding the viewer’s eye and shaping their emotional response.
- The Interplay of the Personal and the Political: Bertolucci consistently explored the intersection of individual desires and broader socio-political forces. His characters are often shaped and defined by the historical and political contexts they inhabit. Whether it’s the rise of fascism in The Conformist and 1900, the student protests in Partner, or the cultural clashes in The Sheltering Sky and Little Buddha, the personal journeys of his characters are inextricably linked to the larger political and social landscape.
- An Exploration of Sexuality and Desire: Bertolucci was unafraid to delve into the complexities of human sexuality, often with a raw and unflinching gaze. His films explored themes of eroticism, power dynamics, and the search for intimacy, sometimes pushing boundaries and sparking controversy. Sexuality in his films is rarely presented as purely physical; it is often intertwined with psychological needs, social anxieties, and the search for identity.
- A Fascination with History and Memory: Many of Bertolucci’s films engage directly with historical events and the ways in which the past shapes the present. He explored pivotal moments in Italian history, Chinese history, and the broader currents of the 20th century. His use of historical settings often served as a backdrop for exploring timeless themes of power, ideology, and the human condition. Memory also played a crucial role in his narratives, with characters often grappling with the weight of their personal and collective past.
- Evocative Use of Music: Music was an integral part of Bertolucci’s cinematic language. He collaborated with renowned composers like Ennio Morricone and Ryuichi Sakamoto, whose scores often served as another layer of emotional resonance in his films. Music in his work wasn’t merely background accompaniment; it actively contributed to the mood, atmosphere, and thematic undertones of the narrative.
- A Sense of Place and Atmosphere: Bertolucci had a remarkable ability to create a strong sense of place in his films. Whether it was the claustrophobic interiors of The Conformist, the grand landscapes of 1900 and The Sheltering Sky, or the intimate settings of Last Tango in Paris and Stealing Beauty, the environments in his films were never just backdrops. They actively contributed to the narrative and reflected the characters’ inner states.
Successful Films and Career Trajectory:
Bertolucci’s career was marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, although his most challenging and controversial works often sparked the most intense debate. Some of his most successful and influential films include:
- The Conformist (1970): A landmark film that established his international reputation, praised for its visual brilliance and complex exploration of fascism and psychological repression.
- Last Tango in Paris (1972): A highly controversial yet undeniably impactful film that challenged societal norms and remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
- 1900 (1976): A sprawling historical epic that showcased his ambition and ability to handle large-scale narratives.
- The Last Emperor (1987): His most commercially successful and critically acclaimed film, winning nine Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
- The Sheltering Sky (1990): A visually stunning adaptation of Paul Bowles’ novel, exploring themes of alienation and mortality in a North African setting.
- Stealing Beauty (1996): A more intimate and sensual film that showcased his ability to explore themes of adolescence and self-discovery.
Bertolucci’s career trajectory can be seen as a journey through different phases, from his early politically charged works to his more visually opulent and internationally focused productions, and finally to his more intimate and introspective later films. He consistently pushed boundaries, both thematically and stylistically, and his willingness to tackle complex and often uncomfortable subjects made him a unique and significant voice in cinema.
Legacy and Impact:
Bernardo Bertolucci’s impact on cinema is undeniable. He left behind a body of work that continues to inspire, provoke, and challenge audiences and filmmakers alike. His legacy can be seen in several key areas:
- The Elevation of Visual Storytelling: Bertolucci was a true visual stylist. His films demonstrated the power of cinematography, set design, and mise-en-scène to convey meaning and emotion. He raised the bar for visual artistry in cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers to pay closer attention to the aesthetic and sensory dimensions of their work.
- The Courage to Tackle Difficult Subjects: Bertolucci was unafraid to explore complex and often controversial themes, including sexuality, political ideology, and the darker aspects of human nature. His willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms paved the way for more honest and unflinching portrayals of these subjects in cinema.
- The Blurring of Genre Boundaries: Bertolucci’s films often defied easy categorization. He seamlessly blended elements of political drama, psychological thriller, historical epic, and intimate character study, creating a unique and hybrid form of cinematic expression.
- The Importance of Historical Context: His films frequently engaged with history, reminding audiences of the profound impact of political and social forces on individual lives. He demonstrated how personal narratives are always intertwined with broader historical currents.
- The Enduring Power of Ambiguity and Complexity: Bertolucci’s films rarely offered easy answers. They often presented complex characters and ambiguous situations, inviting viewers to engage actively with the narratives and draw their own conclusions. This intellectual rigor and refusal to simplify complex issues remain a hallmark of his work.
However, Bertolucci’s legacy is also complicated by the controversy surrounding Last Tango in Paris. Maria Schneider’s account of feeling exploited during the filming of the butter scene has led to a re-evaluation of the film and Bertolucci’s conduct, raising important questions about consent, power dynamics, and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers. This controversy serves as a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing critical engagement with cinematic history and the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful environment on film sets.
Despite this complex and challenging aspect of his legacy, Bernardo Bertolucci remains a towering figure in cinema history. His masterful visual style, his intellectual depth, and his willingness to confront difficult truths have left an indelible mark on the art form. His films continue to be studied, debated, and admired for their artistic ambition and their profound exploration of the human condition within the grand sweep of history. He was a filmmaker who dared to dream big, to challenge conventions, and to create cinematic experiences that were both breathtaking and deeply unsettling, ensuring his place as one of the true visionaries of the 20th and 21st centuries. His work serves as a testament to the power of cinema to not only entertain but also to provoke thought, ignite debate, and offer profound insights into the complexities of our world and ourselves. Sources and related content