Senso (Sehnsucht)

One of the great works of narrative cinema. Luchino Visconti opens the doors to a passion that will captivate him and his work: Risorgimento and ottocento, the dawn and decline of an era that conceals its contradictions behind a shield of beauty. In glowing color compositions, Senso revolves around the events of the Battle of Custozza, masterfully weaving together private tragedy, social study, national epic, and historical substance to create a completely immersive experience. The chaos of war, the chaos of emotions—the turmoil of the liberation movement, the amour fou of Contessa Serpieri for Austrian lieutenant Franz Mahler. Upheaval and decision, historical and personal failure. Il trovatore, performed on stage at the beginning, not only influences the political reality of the film; the consuming and intoxicating fever of a great tragic opera also flickers in the aesthetics of Senso. (H.T.)