Episode 13: Senso (1954)
Luchino Visconti was known for dabbling with neorealism, but Senso mixed his love of the opera and melodrama with the film movement that his name is attached to. Italy's first Technicolor film, Senso is a love story set during the Austrian occupation of Venice in the 1860's. The film is a visual feast, with sweeping setpieces that reflect Visconti's love of the opera. Alida Valli and Farley Granger (whose English was dubbed into Italian for the film's Italian release) give stellar performances as the leads, particularly Valli, who won a Golden Globe for her effort. This is another title currently readily available on Blu-Ray and DVD from the Criterion Collection; viewing the heavily-cut American version of the film from the disc's special features is to experience an exercise of how not to edit a film. Have a question or comment for the host? Email Sean at 1001moviespodcast.com. Also, if you're enjoying our journey, please leave some positive feedback on iTunes!