The Leopard
An icon of Italian cinema, Claudia Cardinale was not strictly Italian, having grown up in Tunis in a family that spoke French and Sicilian. This composite identity undoubtedly allowed her to navigate effortlessly from one cinematography to another. This program attests to this, bringing together some of her most memorable roles in Italy, forays into popular French cinema, and a memorable appearance in a Herzog film. These examples highlight her radiant screen presence and her wide acting range, from whimsical to serious roles.
In 1860, the aristocracy is threatened by the arrival of Garibaldi's republican troops in Sicily. The family of Prince Don Fabrizio Salina is forced to take refuge in their country mansion. The patriarch would like to marry his nephew Tancredi to a rich and influential woman. But during a reception given in honor of the Salina family, Tancredi falls in love with Angelica, the mayor's daughter...
Luchino Visconti
Luchino Visconti was an Italian filmmaker, stage director, and screenwriter. A descendant of the noble Visconti family, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant filmmakers in European cinema. He was one of the fathers of cinematic neorealism in the 40s, but later moved towards luxurious, sweeping epics dealing with themes of beauty, decadence, death, and European history, especially the decay of the nobility and the bourgeoisie. He received many accolades, including the Palme d'or (The Leopard, 1963) and the Golden Lion (Sandra, 1965). Many of his works are regarded as highly-influential to future generations of filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese.
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