The weather was a little bit nice in Montreal this week, and suddenly we have a crazy urge to hop on a Vespa and tour the suburbs, hang out in the streets of the Old Port daydreaming, and fall in love with just our eyes.
The collapse of the great families in the post-war period, absolute happiness and many reflections on love, vulgarity and destiny. This is the heart of Italian director Luchino Visconti’s cult classic.
The Italian director’s blazing fire is still alive in our modern society, and while he may not be very well known in North America, he is a must-see for film buffs and historians of post-war Italy and its unique spirit. Dirk Bogarde mopes in a vaporetto in Death in Venice ( 1971), Claudia Cardinale holds her breath in Il Gattopardo ( 1963), and everyone slaps each other around and declares their undying love in Gruppo di famiglia in un intero (violence and passion) ( 1974).
On March 8 and 29, 2026, the Museum Cinema will devote two days to Visconti’s work with two double features.
Visconti’s unbridled passions – 4 films to see at the Museum Cinema
Il Gattopardo ( 1963) – This is the director’s flagship work. Prince Salina tries to preserve his family’s wealth and lifestyle during the period of violent social upheaval that shook Sicily in the 1860s. Starring Burt Lancaster as the prince, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale.
Gruppo di famiglia in un intero (violence and passion) ( 1974) – A retired professor is forced to rent a floor of his palazzo to a marquise and her group of “vulgar” friends, and absolute chaos ensues.
The Damned (1969) – The violent decline of a German industrial family (manufacturers of cannons during World War II) as Nazi society sinks into lust, chaos, and loses all moral boundaries. It is also a reflection on gender, with Dirk Bogarde playing the son who drags, and sexual liberation in Visconti’s Third Reich is passionate and violent.
Death in Venice ( 1971) – A great composer becomes obsessed with a teenager while convalescing in Venice and loses his mind. Based on the eponymous novel by Thomas Mann.
Practical Information
Where? Cinéma du Musée, 1379-A Sherbrooke Street West
When?
Sunday, March 8 – Il Gattopardo ( 1963) at 2 p.m., Gruppo di famiglia in un intero (violence and passion) ( 1974) at 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 – La Caduta degli Dei ( 1969) at 3 p.m., Death in Venice ( 1971) at 6:45 p.m.
How? Single ticket $15.75 – for more information, click here!
