Bertolucci has really achieved the correct balance between sex, politics, character development and plot here. As always the cinematography is exceptional and the acting extremely convincing.
He follows a weak-willed and confused man on his quest to find a proper identity between the rising fascist forces in Italy and his old University lecturer who adheres to a socialist ideology. Bertolucci brilliantly crafts a story through connections between the Conformist's troubled past and his moral dilemma that he must face before him. He interweaves at certain junctures to link psychoanalysis, political ideology and even sex all together to give us a deep and profound film.
Unlike '1900' which I found too blatant and cumbersome at times, Bertolucci presents the viewer with a more accurate and diverse set of characters and situations. The script is of a high-calibre with much philosophising, throw in with that great performances from Trintignant and the sensual and sexy actresses that accompany him and the viewer finds a timeless classic that really effectively portrays the political positions of so many 'conformists' in 20th century Europe.
This is a skillful and intelligent film brought to so by a true auteur in Bertolucci.
He follows a weak-willed and confused man on his quest to find a proper identity between the rising fascist forces in Italy and his old University lecturer who adheres to a socialist ideology. Bertolucci brilliantly crafts a story through connections between the Conformist's troubled past and his moral dilemma that he must face before him. He interweaves at certain junctures to link psychoanalysis, political ideology and even sex all together to give us a deep and profound film.
Unlike '1900' which I found too blatant and cumbersome at times, Bertolucci presents the viewer with a more accurate and diverse set of characters and situations. The script is of a high-calibre with much philosophising, throw in with that great performances from Trintignant and the sensual and sexy actresses that accompany him and the viewer finds a timeless classic that really effectively portrays the political positions of so many 'conformists' in 20th century Europe.
This is a skillful and intelligent film brought to so by a true auteur in Bertolucci.