Directed by: Luchino Visconti
Starring: Dirk Bogarde, Bjorn Andresen, Silvana Mangano, Marisa Berenson, Mark Burns, Romolo Valli, Nora Ricci, Carole Andre, Leslie French, Franco Fabrizi
Contributors: Luchino Visconti, Pasquale de Santis, Nicola Badalucco, Franco Mannino
Death in Venice (1971), directed by Luchino Visconti, is an acclaimed adaptation of Thomas Mann's novel. The film tells the story of Gustav van Aschenbach (Dirk Bogarde), an aging German composer who travels to Venice. Stagnant and disillusioned with life, Aschenbach is drawn out of his torpor when he encounters a young boy named Tadzio (Bjorn Andresen), who embodies the ideal of physical beauty and purity. The character of Aschenbach is based on composer Gustav Mahler, and Mahler's music plays a central role in the film. A profound meditation on obsession, beauty, and mortality, this visually stunning film captures the fleeting moments of life and the intensity of unspoken desire.
This Criterion Collection edition presents a restored version of the film with special features that offer insight into Visconti's artistic vision and the making of the film.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Luchino Visconti |
| Starring | Dirk Bogarde, Bjorn Andresen, Silvana Mangano, Marisa Berenson, Mark Burns, Romolo Valli, Nora Ricci, Carole Andre, Leslie French, Franco Fabrizi |
| Contributors | Luchino Visconti, Pasquale de Santis, Nicola Badalucco, Franco Mannino |
| Format | Blu-ray / Restored |
| Studio | Criterion Collection |
| Catalogue No | CC2995BDUK |
| Barcode | 5050629379136 |
| Main Language | English |
| Region | B |
| Release Date | 18 March 2019 |
| Originally Issued | 1971 |
| No of Discs | 1 |
| Weight | 94g |
| Genre | Modern Classic |
| BBFC Certification | (15) Suitable for 15 years and over |
| Rental/Retail | Retail not for Rental |
| Run Time | 131 minutes |