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David Levine's avatar

well done, Tom. I also saw the pathetic cut they released when the movie first came out and I've seen the Director's Cut (actually, I'm not sure if THIS version is actually the one Bertolucci wanted, but it's probably close...I've heard of longer versions ). and yes, it's a significant experience to watch it. I'veseen it compared with "Gone With the Wind" in terms of size and sweep. of course, GWTW is pretty much unwatchable today, despite all the money on the screen.

the long version of "1900" IS demanding enough to be a little harder to watch as frequently as a lot of other movies I like to check out at least once a year. for example, I watch "The Conformist" (Bertolucci's earlier, much tidier and equally superb take on what Fascism does to people with a possible career-best performance by Jean-Louis Trintignant, who was always sensational) at least once a year, and it's a gift that keeps on giving. it's almost embarrassing to tell people that I've seen "Last Tango in Paris" about 22 times, although the last few times, it began to get a little old (except for Brando's magnificent, heartbreaking monologue, which was completely autobiographical).

a small (and probably silly) warning about "1900": when it came out, a few people I knew made comments like "the screenplay came right out of Moscow," etc. this kind of thing has never been an issue for me at all and, in my opinion, such comments indicate profound philistinism. but when he made the movie, Bertolucci was very much a proud Italian Communist. but, then again, so was half of Italy (and most of the best directors). that's not hyperbole...Italian filmmakers in the '50s and '60s were actually required to make sure that half the crew they hired had to be Communists.

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Karen RN's avatar

Thanks for the heads up Tom. I have Amazon Prime. It sounds amazing, and what a great cast.

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