Death In Venice Reviews

Beautifully done

'In this adaptation of the Thomas Mann novel, avant-garde composer Gustave Aschenbach (loosely based on Gustav Mahler) travels to a Venetian seaside resort in search of repose after a period of artistic and personal stress. But he finds no peace there, for he soon develops a troubling attraction to an adolescent boy, Tadzio, on vacation with his family. The boy embodies an ideal of beauty that Aschenbach has long sought and he becomes infatuated. However, the onset of a deadly pestilence threatens them both physically and represents the corruption that compromises and threatens all ideals.'

Last year, I saw this film for the first time, and it has remained in my mind since. The film I saw was a restored version, and in a large theatre. It is a visually stunning (these words really are apt), with incredible tension and beauty throughout the movie. A true classic.

Profoundly sad but elegantly beautiful

It has all been said by other reviewers. I saw the film originally when not much older than Tadzio, so it was interesting to watch again now I'm nearer in age to Aschenbach. My lingering memories were black hairdye creeping down Bogarde's face and bemused bafflement. Now, I found it almost unbearably sad. Bogarde conveys Aschenbach's tormented infatuation so he never comes across as a dirty old man. Andresen is the embodiment of beauty, a perfect illusion of youthful innocence. Venice, however, almost steals the show, decayed, corrupt, and hiding its guilty secrets.

A short story is exactly that....

After reading Thomas Mann's short story of the same name I was intrigued to see how a film could be made that was twice as long as it took to read. Well, lots of brooding shots of Venice and constant classical music accompanying VERY slow action is how. Personally I would either read the book or make sure you don't watch this after a few drinks late at night - I defy you to stay awake!

An excellent film. The agonisingly slow pace allows the slight, but powerful story to unfold with devestating effect. Apart from the intrusive use of zoom, it is a very graceful and elegant film, the alienation and emotions of the main character laid bare for lengthy, painful scrutiny.

Dirk Bogarde's performance has since been mercilessly lampooned, but this simply serves to illustrate what a memorable performance it is. He portrays a doomed, tormented soul with terrifying accuracy.

If you like your movies action packed, then avoid this like the plague that devestates venice within the film, but otherwise this is compelling viewing, worth watching for Bogarde alone.

What was the fuss about?

You kind of want to hurt the bumbling fool, he is so obnoxious. Well acted though, and great scenes of teh Lido

Ignore the time out review above

This is a genuinely moving film and has intensely beautiful visuals.

I recommend it, can't think of anything else like it.

ok

i fell asleep on this one

my opinion it was to slow

A good steady film

Some may find this a little boring but i enjoyed the sound track that accompanied the film.

Beautiful movie

This movie is about beauty. Beauty of the photography, landscapes, colours, beauty in the shape of Tadzio for whom the artist Von Aschenbach falls desperately, beauty of the musical score from Gustav Malher.

This is a slow pace drama in several acts from Luchino Visconti. It is not your action movie, it is more a reflective, slow pace drama that follows its inevitable path to death in Venice, and the effects of old age falling for magical unearthly androgynous angel-like beauty.

I loved it when it first came out and still do. The best movie ever...

The best looking film you will ever see

This film is visually stunning, Venice looks fantastic. Dirk Bogart is great as the dying musician, and the young boy is suitably skinny. You really need to see this film.