The Leopard
(Il Gattopardo)
With Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon.
Italy, 1963, 35mm, color, 187 min.
Italian with English subtitles.
Print source: 20th Century Fox
Like the classic novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa on which it is based, Visconti’s masterpiece is an opulent evocation of a society in flux during the fight for Italian unification. Burt Lancaster plays the Sicilian nobleman of the title who attempts to maintain his power amid the escalating rise of the bourgeoisie. In a performance that intentionally embodies the character of his exacting, enigmatic director while suggesting the actor’s own proud, powerful yet uncertain standing at his age, Lancaster navigates the aristocratic realm on and off screen with weary acumen. The tragic and triumphant changing of the guard culminates in the long and famous ballroom sequence during which “The Leopard” reaches a summit of understanding and acceptance.
Part of film series
Screenings from this program
Sweet Smell of Success
Brute Force
The Rose Tattoo
The Crimson Pirate
Ulzana's Raid
Conversation Piece
From Here to Eternity
Twilight’s Last Gleaming
I Walk Alone
The Leopard
The Killers
Atlantic City
Criss Cross
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
The Train
Vera Cruz
The Swimmer
Run Silent Run Deep
A Child Is Waiting
Judgment at Nuremberg
