The Leopard

The Leopard (1963) is another historical epic on a grand style that recalls director Luchino Visconti's earlier epic film, Senso. I am fascinated by this period where Italy was united with help from the guerrilla leader Garabaldi who helped forge states in South America as well. I would like to read more about this revolutionary character in the future. It is essentially the story of the Prince of Salina (Burt Lancaster), a noble aristocrat of impeccable integrity, tries to preserve his family and class amid the tumultuous social upheavals of 1860's Sicily. There is a sub plot that involves a love affair between the Prince's nephew (Alan Delon) and the daughter of a up and coming land owner (Caludia Cardinale). There are elegant scenes in the aristocratic house and a spectacular social dance that closes out the film. But in between there are extraordinary location shots of Sicily's devastatingly beautiful scenery. The Criterion edition includes: the 161-minute American release, with English-language dialogue, audio commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie, A Dying Breed: The Making of The Leopard, an hour-long documentary, a video interview with producer Goffredo Lombardo, a video interview with professor Millicent Marcus on the history, original theatrical trailers and newsreels, stills gallery of rare behind-the-scenes production photos, and a booklet featuring an essay by film historian Michael Wood.