Story
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, an influential and controversial Italian filmmaker, poet, and intellectual, this 1968 film is a pivotal work in his career, known for its provocative and subversive themes. Pasolini’s work often explores complex social and political issues, reflecting his Marxist beliefs and his critique of bourgeois society. His films are noted for their stark realism mixed with surreal or allegorical elements, and this film is no exception. Pasolini’s oeuvre includes other significant works such as "Accattone", "Mamma Roma", and "The Gospel According to St. Matthew".The film features a compelling cast led by Terence Stamp, an acclaimed British actor known for his striking presence and versatility. Stamp plays a mysterious visitor who enters a wealthy Italian household and profoundly impacts each member of the family, including Silvana Mangano, Massimo Girotti, Laura Betti, and Anne Wiazemsky. Betti’s performance was particularly noteworthy, earning her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.Plot-wise, the story revolves around a stranger who arrives at the home of a bourgeois family in Milan, engaging in intimate encounters with each family member before abruptly departing. This encounter leaves the characters profoundly changed and questioning their own identities and societal roles. The film’s narrative structure and its exploration of themes like existential angst, sexuality, and societal decay make it a thought-provoking and often challenging watch. Its reception was polarizing, drawing both critical acclaim and controversy for its bold content and subversive undertones.