Cast
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Burt Lancaster
as Prince Don Fabrizio Salina
Claudia Cardinale
as Angelica Sedara / Bastiana
Alain Delon
as Tancredi Falconeri
Paolo Stoppa
as Don Calogero Sedara
Rina Morelli
as Princess Maria Stella Salina
Romolo Valli
as Father Pirrone
Terence Hill
as Count Cavriaghi
Pierre Clémenti
as Francesco Paolo
Lucilla Morlacchi
as Concetta
Giuliano Gemma
as Garibaldi's General
Ida Galli
as Carolina
Ottavia Piccolo
as Caterina
Carlo Valenzano
as Paolo
Brook Fuller
as Little Prince
Anna Maria Bottini
as Mademoiselle Dombreuil, the Governess
Crew
Director
- Luchino Visconti
Producer
- Goffredo Lombardo
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I was given the blu-ray of this as a gift recently and what a lovely, thoughtful present that proved to be. The photography is glorious - the light is brilliant. Visconti delivers a truly captivating period piece but with none of the shallowness of many other costume/historical dramas. It features a magnificent performance from the gently aristocratic, classy Burt Lancaster as a Sicilian Prince coming to terms with the absorption of his kingdom into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. The trials of love, war, the lavish and the poverty are all expertly and delicately portrayed and I really did get a sense of the fragility of the times. Alain Delon and Rina Morelli are superb, as is Claudia Cardinale and Nino Rota provides some sumptuous orchestrations to help all along. Knowing much about the history of the time isn't essential, it all unfolds wonderfully...
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Leopard examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Luchino Visconti brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Leopard took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 186 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 244 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Leopard shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike La Strada, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Leopard subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like La Haine and 8½ explore similar territory, The Leopard stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 27, 1963
- Runtime: 3h 6m
