Gattopardo, Il
This beautiful film, which I saw some time ago, remains in my memory as a profound study of a man in a position of power who thinks, reflects on important values, as well as his own aging process…and yet the film is never static. Burt Lancaster gave a brilliant performance…which I read was his favorite role. Visually, it is stunning. The long dance scene with Claudia Cardinale is justifiably famous…one of the sexiest scenes on film, in my opinion. To anyone interested in serious concerns, cinematically expressed with grace and intelligence, I would urge you to see this splendid film.
IMDB TRIVIA:
- Luchino Visconti wanted Laurence Olivier for the title role but his producers insisted on a movie star with clout at the box office and thus, Burt Lancaster was cast.
- Warren Beatty flew to Rome to meet Visconti with the possibility of playing Tancredi but turned it down. He later told his publicist that Visconti had been ‘begging him’ to star in the movie.
- Such was Visconti’s attention to detail that Claudia Cardinale had a period embroidered handkerchief tucked into her purse, a prop that was never seen on camera.
- Although Claudia Cardinale’s dialogue was dubbed by ‘Solvejg D’Assunta’ , her voice can still be heard in some scenes, in particular when her and Alain Delon run around the empty house; her deep and hearty laugh being quite distinctive.
AWARDS:
- Academy Awards, USA
1964 Nominated “Oscar”
Best Costume Design, Color: Piero Tosi
- Cannes Film Festival
1963 Won “Golden Palm”
Luchino Visconti
- David di Donatello Awards
1963 Won “David”
Best Production (Migliore Produzione): Goffredo Lombardo, Tied with Glaive et la balance, Le (1963).
- Golden Globes, USA
1964 Nominated “Golden Globe”
Most Promising Newcomer – Male: Alain Delon
- Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists
1964 Won “Silver Ribbon”
Best Cinematography, Color (Migliore Fotografia a Colori): Giuseppe Rotunno
Best Costume Design (Migliori Costumi): Piero Tosi
Best Production Design (Migliore Scenografia): Mario Garbuglia
