Introduction
Bernardo Bertolucci (March 16, 1941 – November 26, 2018) was a visionary Italian filmmaker, screenwriter, and poet celebrated for his daring storytelling, political themes, and captivating visual style. Often described as a bridge between European arthouse cinema and Hollywood, Bertolucci directed iconic films such as Last Tango in Paris (1972), The Conformist (1970), and The Last Emperor (1987), the latter of which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture.
Throughout his career, Bertolucci explored themes of power, identity, desire, and political turmoil, leaving an indelible mark on global cinema.
Early Life and Influences
Bertolucci was born in Parma, Italy, to a cultured and intellectual family. His father, Attilio Bertolucci, was a renowned poet and art historian who nurtured Bernardo’s early passion for literature and cinema.
Bertolucci initially pursued writing, winning literary awards as a young poet. However, his exposure to the works of filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Michelangelo Antonioni ignited his interest in filmmaking.
He studied literature at the University of Rome but dropped out to work as an assistant director for Pasolini on Accattone (1961). Pasolini’s influence profoundly shaped Bertolucci’s artistic vision and political awareness.
Career Beginnings
Bertolucci made his directorial debut at just 21 years old with La Commare Secca (1962), a crime drama with a screenplay by Pasolini. Although the film received mixed reviews, it demonstrated Bertolucci’s emerging talent for narrative complexity and visual style.
His next major project, Before the Revolution (1964), explored themes of political idealism and personal identity, cementing his reputation as a rising star in Italian cinema.
Breakthrough: The Conformist (1970)
Adapted from Alberto Moravia’s novel, The Conformist is a political thriller set in Fascist Italy. The film follows Marcello Clerici (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a man who seeks acceptance in a repressive regime by betraying his former mentor.
Key Achievements:
- Critical Acclaim: The film was praised for its innovative cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and its exploration of moral ambiguity.
- Influence: The Conformist became a landmark in film history, influencing directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese.
Controversy and Fame: Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Last Tango in Paris stars Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider as two strangers who engage in an intense, emotionally charged relationship.
Controversy:
The film’s explicit sexual content sparked global outrage and censorship battles. Schneider later revealed that she felt exploited during the production, leading to widespread criticism of Bertolucci’s methods.
Legacy:
Despite the controversy, the film is regarded as a groundbreaking exploration of grief, desire, and alienation. Brando’s performance is often considered one of his finest.
Hollywood Success: The Last Emperor (1987)
Bertolucci’s most significant international success came with The Last Emperor, a historical epic that tells the life story of Puyi, the last emperor of China.
Key Achievements:
- Academy Awards: Won nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director
- Critical Praise: The film was lauded for its grandeur, storytelling, and visual splendor
- Collaboration: Marked a fruitful partnership with cinematographer Vittorio Storaro
The film remains one of the most acclaimed historical dramas in cinema history.
Notable Works
1. 1900 (1976)
A five-hour historical epic starring Robert De Niro and Gérard Depardieu, 1900 chronicles the lives of two men from different social classes amid Italy’s political upheavals in the 20th century.
2. The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Based on Paul Bowles’ novel, this visually stunning drama explores existential themes through the journey of an American couple in North Africa.
3. Stealing Beauty (1996)
Starring Liv Tyler, this coming-of-age drama set in the Tuscan countryside explores themes of love, art, and identity.
4. The Dreamers (2003)
Set during the 1968 Paris student riots, the film follows three young cinephiles caught in a web of sexual experimentation and political revolution.
Cinematic Style and Themes
Key Elements of Bertolucci’s Style:
- Visual Elegance: Known for his collaboration with cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, Bertolucci’s films are visually stunning, often featuring elaborate tracking shots and symbolic color schemes.
- Exploration of Power: His films frequently explore dynamics of power, both personal and political.
- Complex Characters: Bertolucci’s protagonists often grapple with identity, moral ambiguity, and societal pressures.
- Political Commentary: Many of his films, such as The Conformist and 1900, critique fascism and authoritarianism.
Awards and Honors
- Academy Awards: Best Director and Best Picture for The Last Emperor
- Cannes Film Festival: Honorary Palme d’Or (2011)
- Golden Globes: Best Director for The Last Emperor
- David di Donatello Awards: Multiple wins
- British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA): Best Director for The Last Emperor
Bertolucci’s contributions to cinema earned him a reputation as one of the greatest filmmakers in history.
Legacy and Influence
Bertolucci’s influence extends far beyond Italian cinema. His ability to merge personal storytelling with political themes inspired generations of filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Soderbergh.
Despite controversies, his films continue to be studied for their artistic innovation and thematic depth.
Personal Life
Bertolucci was married to Clare Peploe, a British screenwriter and director, until his death in 2018. He lived most of his later years in Rome, where he continued to work on film projects despite health challenges.
He was confined to a wheelchair in his later years due to back surgery complications but remained a vocal advocate for cinema and the arts.
Death
Bernardo Bertolucci passed away on November 26, 2018, at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era for Italian and global cinema.
FAQs About Bernardo Bertolucci
1. What is Bernardo Bertolucci best known for?
He is best known for directing The Last Emperor, The Conformist, and Last Tango in Paris.
2. What themes are common in his films?
Bertolucci’s films often explore themes of power, desire, identity, and political upheaval.
3. What awards did he win?
He won numerous accolades, including nine Academy Awards for The Last Emperor and an Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes.
4. Why is The Conformist significant?
The Conformist is considered a masterpiece for its innovative cinematography, political commentary, and exploration of moral ambiguity.
5. How did Last Tango in Paris impact his career?
The film sparked controversy due to its explicit content but also cemented Bertolucci’s reputation as a bold and provocative filmmaker.
6. What was his relationship with politics?
Bertolucci was a lifelong Marxist, and his political beliefs often influenced his films, particularly 1900 and The Conformist.
Conclusion
Bernardo Bertolucci’s legacy as a pioneering filmmaker remains unparalleled. His ability to craft visually stunning, politically charged, and emotionally complex films continues to captivate audiences and influence filmmakers worldwide. From intimate dramas to grand historical epics, Bertolucci’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of cinema.
