Adapted from a J. L. Borges’ short story, “The Theme of the Traitor and the Hero”, Bertolucci’s fourth feature is a haunting mystery about a young man returning to his patriarchal village to avenge the murder of his anti-fascist father. The young man’s return, however, results in his personal confrontation with the Freudian mysteries of the unconscious; in particular the secrets repressed by memory. In uncovering the truth about his father the young man begins to lose his own sense of identity. Bertolucci creates a claustrophobic, menacing atmosphere that reflects the confusion of his young hero. The ravishing cinematography is by Vittorio Storaro.
How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
303701
Language
Italian
Audience classification
PG
Subject categories
Adaptations
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Foreign language films
Feature films
Feature films → Feature films - Italy
Food, Health, Lifestyle, Medicine, Psychology & Safety → Memory
Food, Health, Lifestyle, Medicine, Psychology & Safety → Revenge
Foreign language films
Literature → Latin American literature - Film and video adaptations
Literature → Literature
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
VHS; Access Print (Section 1)