The British Film Institute (BFI) is proud to announce Luchino Visconti: Decadence & Decay in partnership with Cinecittà. It is a month-long season celebrating the groundbreaking work of Luchino Visconti, the pioneering Italian filmmaker. Running throughout January 2025 at BFI Southbank, this curated retrospective explores Visconti’s mastery of Italian neorealism. It also delves into sumptuous historical drama. It reveals the complex contradictions of a singular artist shaped by his era.
A Filmmaker of Contrasts and Psychological Depth
Visconti’s films grapple with dynastic power struggles, obsessive desires, and the moral decay of aristocracy. They blend wry humor, bold sensuality, and painterly elegance. His oeuvre encompasses queer desire, hysteria, and transgression. It extends beyond precise historical detail to penetrate the psychological complexities of his characters.
Screening Highlights and Restorations
The season showcases restored 4K and rare 35mm prints of Visconti’s masterpieces. These include:
OSSESSIONE (1943) — a daring adaptation of James M. Cain’s The Postman Always Rings Twice
LA TERRA TREMA (1948) — a heartbreaking neorealist epic about exploited fishermen
THE LEOPARD (1963) — an aristocratic portrait renowned for its iconic ballroom sequence
THE DAMNED (1969) — a disturbing exploration of fascism and sexual deviance
DEATH IN VENICE (1971) — a visually exquisite meditation on obsession and decay
LUDWIG (1973) — a stately biopic about a tormented royal dreamer
THE INNOCENT (1976) — a gothic tale of privileged masculinity and moral collapse
Centrepiece: Re-release of ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS (1960)
Opening in nationwide cinemas on January 3. There will be a special BFI Southbank screening on January 6 introduced by film critic and season curator Christina Newland. ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS presents a hypnotically beautiful story of family, love, and sacrifice. It also addresses the harsh realities of relocation from rural south Italy to industrial Milan.
Supporting Events and Discussions
VISCONTI AND HIS CINEMA: DECADENCE AND DECAY panel on January 9 delves into various aspects of Visconti’s life. It explores his films, fashion sense, queer sexuality, and historical context.
25 & UNDER: INTRODUCTION TO LUCHINO VISCONTI on January 11 offers a fun introduction to his work. It provides an accessible crash course on his legacy.
Screenings will be introduced by esteemed critics including Adrian Wootton and Phuong Le.
Quotes
Christina Newland:
“The contradictions in Visconti’s cinema fascinate me. They range from intimate tales like ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS to opulent epics like THE LEOPARD. His visionary style, political insight, and maximalist beauty remain deeply relevant today.”
Chiara Sbarigia, President of Cinecittà:
“We are proud to partner with BFI. We celebrate Visconti, a maestro whose melancholic vision combines realism, beauty, and drama. His work is unforgettable.”
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