The Bay Area is being graced by a jam-packed day of Bertolucci films to be played at the Castro Theater (429 Castro Street) on October 18th. Entitled, BERTOLUCCI - A FILM SERIES, the event will encompass four of the legendary Italian director’s films from the 70’s, 80’ and 90’s. The series will also feature the exclusive Northern California Premiere of the newly-restored 3D version of the nine-time Academy Award-winning masterpiece, “The Last Emperor”, with the celebrated actress & filmmaker Joan Chen present in person.
Bernardo Bertolucci, son of the poet and film critic Attilio Bertolucci, was born into a world of comfort and intellectualism on March 16, 1940 in Parma. He began making films as a teenager with two short 16 mm films about children. His career took a auspicious turn when he found himself assistant director to Pier Paolo Pasolini. In 1962, soon after Pasolini’s Accattone, Bertolucci set out to build his own opus of film masterpieces. Bertolucci has explored with insatiable curiosity the world around us and the ever evolving language of film, discovering and bringing to our attention what is most vital and beautiful. “I am looking for a spectator capable of abandoning himself to the unconscious work developed by the film and who is able to participate in it,” Bertolucci once said.
BERTOLUCCI - A FILM SERIES is presented by Istituto Luce-Cinecittà, Rome and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco. It is organized by Program Director Amelia Antonucci, Cinema Italia San Francisco; Camilla Cormanni and Paola Ruggiero of Istituto Luce-Cinecittà. Presented in association with the Ministry of Culture of Italy, under the auspices of the Consul General of Italy in San Francisco.
For tickets click here. For showtimes see below. Godatevi!
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THE CONFORMIST (Il Conformista) 12:30 PM
Northern California Premiere of New Restoration. “A man becomes a prime example of an intellectual fascist, when he’s sent to Paris to assassinate his former anti-fascist mentor, and come face to face with his tortured past.” With Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Dominique Sanda. (111 mins, 1970. In Italian w/ EngST. DCP, new restoration)
THE SHELTERING SKY (Il tè nel deserto) 3:00 PM
“Based on the Paul Bowles novel, starring John Malkovich and Debra Winger as a sophisticated couple, married for ten years, who have come to the African desert in search of renewal and personal inspiration.” With Debra Winger, John Malkovich. (137 mins, 1990. In English. 35 mm
THE LAST EMPEROR 3D (L'ultimo imperatore) 6:00 PM
Actress Joan Chen in Person. Exclusive Northern California Premiere of new 3D version. “The life of Emperor Pu Yi, who took the throne at age three, in 1908, before witnessing decades of cultural and political upheaval, within and without the walls of the Forbidden City.“ With John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ying Ruocheng, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun. (163 mins, 1987. In English. DCP, new restoration)
LAST TANGO IN PARIS (Ultimo tango a Parigi) 9:30 PM
"The sexy, unforgettable 1970s hit about a Parisian woman in a sordid affair with an American businessman.” With Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider. (128 mins, 1976. In English. 35 mm)