Remembering the influential Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci
Bertolucci’s cinematic career began under the mentorship of Pier Paolo Pasolini, serving as an assistant director on the 1961 film “Accattone.” In 1987, his magnum opus, “The Last Emperor,” that chronicled the life of China’s final monarch, Puyi, achieved critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture
Remembering the influential Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci
The distinguished Italian film director and screenwriter Bernardo Bertolucci was born on March 16, 1941, in Parma, Italy. Raised in an intellectually stimulating environment—his father, Attilio Bertolucci, was a celebrated poet and film critic—Bernardo developed an early passion for storytelling and the arts.
Bertolucci’s cinematic career began under the mentorship of Pier Paolo Pasolini, serving as an assistant director on *Accattone* (1961). This experience paved the way for his directorial debut with *La commare secca* (*The Grim Reaper*, 1962), a film that showcased his emerging talent. His sophomore feature, *Prima della rivoluzione* (*Before the Revolution*, 1964), further established his reputation, delving into themes of political and personal turmoil.
In 1970, Bertolucci directed *Il conformista* (*The Conformist*), a film lauded for its intricate narrative and visual artistry, solidifying his status as a master filmmaker. Two years later, he released *Ultimo tango a Parigi* (*Last Tango in Paris*, 1972), starring Marlon Brando. The film’s explicit content sparked international controversy but also underscored Bertolucci’s fearless exploration of human sexuality and emotion.
Bertolucci’s magnum opus, *The Last Emperor* (1987), chronicled the life of China’s final monarch, Puyi. The film achieved critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, marking Bertolucci as the first Italian to receive the Best Director accolade.
Throughout his career, Bertolucci continued to create evocative works such as *The Sheltering Sky* (1990), *Stealing Beauty* (1996), and *The Dreamers* (2003), each reflecting his signature blend of poetic storytelling and visual opulence.
Bernardo Bertolucci passed away on November 26, 2018, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 77. His enduring legacy is characterized by a fearless exploration of complex themes, and a commitment to artistic innovation.
Watch The Last Emperor and Bernardo Bertolucci Winning Best Picture and Directing at the 1988 Academy Awards
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