Italian director Luchino Visconti delivers one of his most ambitious works with this sprawling historical drama. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, THE LEOPARD is set in Sicily during the 1800s, as the aristocracy found itself being suffocated by a newly democratic fervor. Prince Don Fabrizio Salina (.. Read more
| Starring | Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon |
|---|---|
| Director | Luchino Visconti |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
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Italian director Luchino Visconti delivers one of his most ambitious works with this sprawling historical drama. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, THE LEOPARD is set in Sicily during the 1800s, as the aristocracy found itself being suffocated by a newly democratic fervor. Prince Don Fabrizio Salina (Burt Lancaster) tries to hold on to the past, but it appears that his glory days are waning. This is perfectly exemplified by his nephew Tancredi Falconeri (Alain Delon) and his gorgeous wife-to-be Angelica (Claudia Cardinale). As the revolt gathers steam and begins to affect a real change, the aging prince must come to terms with the new world that surrounds him. With THE LEOPARD, Visconti confirms his status as one of Europe's most masterful directors, particularly with the 45 minute ballroom scene.
| Starring | Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon |
|---|---|
| Director | Luchino Visconti |
| Studio | BFI VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 58 mins Blu-ray: 2 hrs 58 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: Italian Blu-ray: Italian |
| Subtitles | DVD: English Blu-ray: English |
| Released | DVD: 27 Sep 2004 Blu-ray: not available Production year: 1963 |
| Format | DVD |
Beautifully photographed by master cameraman Giuseppe Rotunno (Fellini's Roma, Casanova, All That Jazz), this opulent period classic sees director Luchino Visconti revisit the Risorgimento of the 1860s that he had previously explored in Senso (1954). Burt Lancaster is in tremendous form as the scion of a noble Italian family about to be brought down by a republican movement in this contemplation of Italian history and Visconti's own role — as an aristocratic Marxist — in it. The casting is splendid (Alain Delon, Claudia Cardinale) and some moments — such as the elaborate ballroom scene — are awash with visual splendour. The film went on to deservedly win the Palme D'Or at Cannes but, despite huge acclaim in Europe, was dubbed and shortened for its American release. Visconti died in 1976, but Rotunno went on to supervise the film's restoration in the 1990s and this new print can now be seen in all its sumptuous widescreen glory.
Prince Salina has always been the biggest cat on the block. Guys call him The Leopard. He growls, they shift ass. Now... read more on Time Out
This film is considered one of the all-time greats for many reasons: the sweep of the narrative matched by exceptional (and un-laboured) acting, visual grandeur and slow-burning intensity: a rare instance of a fairly esoteric novella brought richly to life.
The gist of the story centres on the point where an established aristocratic Sicilian family faces social changes brought about by the unification of Italy in 1860: the head of the family can see the necessity for 'things to change so that everything can stay the same', mainly by encouraging his beloved nephew to marry the beautiful daughter of a shady local upstart in preference to his own daughter, while most of his family and class don't have the same insight or shrewdness.
Some aspects may seem troubling to a modern audience, principally the fact that some of the actors (Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon) are dubbed into Italian, and the sound in general isn't of the standard most people are used to now; but these are minor quibbles in light of the exceptionally appropriate casting and the uniformly high standard of acting. Not to mention the outstanding production values: this is arguably the first major film where the authenticity of the costumes isn't modified to suit the taste of the time the film is made (ie there's nothing that'll make you think of 1963 in the way the cast is presented).
It's always a mark of a good film when each successive viewing unearths further subtleties, and there's plenty of scope here: look for the point where the initially revolutionary charmer Tancredi turns conventional; or the clarity with which the prince sees his class's inertia when he refuses, with kindness and dignity, the offer of taking part in the new government.
Yes, it's long, but the concentration required bears immense rewards.
Its a great story but this movie is pants