Luchino Visconti: Filmmaker and Philosopher

Luchino Visconti, a prominent filmmaker of the Italian neo-realist movement, is known for his vibrant technicolor dramas and decadent lifestyle. Resina examines the philosophical implications of decadence in three films from the late phase of his production, exploring themes such as incestuous relationships between decadence and power and decadence as a result of striving for formal perfection. By reading these films in light of the time of filming and Visconti's own sense of cultural doom, Resina demonstrates the relevance of Visconti's philosophy to contemporary society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Luchino Visconti, a renowned filmmaker from Europe, achieved immense fame as a prominent member of the Italian neo-realist movement, alongside fellow filmmakers Vittorio De Sica and Roberto Rossellini. Renowned for his sophisticated lifestyle, he was a close friend of Jean Renoir and Coco Chanel, among others. His vibrant technicolor dramas are celebrated for their opulence and exquisite display of aesthetic mastery, as well as their ability to provide sensory pleasure.

While Visconti's films are often admired for their vibrant and captivating aesthetics, Resina delves deeper into the philosophical implications of decadence, with a specific focus on three late-phase films: Damned (1969), Death in Venice (1971), and Ludwig (1972). Through a comprehensive analysis, Resina explores the interconnectedness and philosophical coherence of these films, despite their diverse subjects and historical periods. By examining these films in the context of the time of filming and Visconti's own sense of cultural doom, Resina further demonstrates the relevance of Visconti's philosophy in contemporary times and the profound insights they offer to our modern situation.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350185777