Since I could not find a youtube video link to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to legendary Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1970 political drama The Spider’s Stratagem, readers will have to rely on Cox’s intro transcript (read here). The episode’s original airdate was July 6, 1992 (read here). I nod in agreement with Cox regarding all of the praise that he lavishes on this film and as a Bertolucci film, it serves as something of a major dress rehearsal for his equally masterful follow-up entitled The Conformist – also released in 1970. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Bernardo Bertolucci films (read here).
Since I can’t find a link to the film’s original theatrical trailer, readers will have to find clips of it either on youtube or some other site.
Good choice, John. As for ‘The Conformist’, it is currently on my top ten list of all-time films.
Best wishes, Pete.
I totally agree with you Pete about The Conformist. I mean the Art Deco and music of that film fits perfectly with the decadence and emotions of it’s characters (the latter certainly speaking to it’s lead character). via it’s setting of fascist era Italy. Last, but not least, Vittorio Storraro’s exquisite cinematography completes the package. Anyway, thanks for dropping by š
The sets are jaw-dropping, I agree.
I think I need to take Alex Cox’s advice and head down to the library to pick up a book by Borges. For example Ficciones?
I think you will love Jorge Luis Borges works Paul S or at the very least, find them interesting. Anyway, thanks for dropping by š