Before the Revolution

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Jul 28, 2021 For a film called "Before the Revolution" and centres around a young man grappling with whether he should conform to his bourgeois life or let his rebellious zeal — further triggered by his friend's death — take over him, pursuing a life of political radicalism, I was genuinely surprised how almost apolitical this turns out to be. Adopting an abstract approach to zero in on Fabrizio's struggle is more than welcome by me, since this should allow his emotional turmoil to be more universal. But themes of cowardice versus rebellious tendencies are barely there, and those related to the central illicit affair as well as conflicted ideals are drowned out in Bertolucci's indulgent influences. Before the Revolution is loaded with febrile energy for its own good. With discombobulating non-stop mobility of camerawork, tonnes of tracking shots and frequent zooming in and out, and rapid-fire editing and jump cuts that rendered some scenes nearly vignette-like, I found the story so hard to follow and my interest tapped out about 15 minutes in. Plus, none of these devices amount to much really, and neither is the frivolous and histrionic dialogue. Only some incredible aerial shots of Parma and Ennio Morricone's feverish and emotive score are what kept me from giving this an even lower rating. See more

William L @RT77267842 Jun 20, 2021 I imagine that the Venn diagram that shows the well-to-do with a passion for social causes compared to those who enjoy vintage world cinema is approaching a circle, so it makes sense that Bertolucci's Before the Revolution would have grown in esteem as the years go by. A rarely covered character archetype that transcends generations - those born into comfortable circumstances who empathize with social causes, causes that often clash with the circumstances that led to their own status. It's a difficult relationship to manage, being indebted to a system that one is ideologically opposed to, but one that nevertheless gave you advantages in life that others sorely lack. Some throw away everything but are typically criticized as 'faux rebels', while others grow jaded or indifferent and sink back into their birthright. Barilli's Fabrizio is left to try to pick apart his personality, to differentiate what is truly sincere from simple youthful passions. More thematically refined than should be expected from a filmmaker of his age, it's not necessarily the greatest Italian masterpiece of its era, but it doesn't have to be - the film has enough strength to stand on its own merit, with an exploration of disaffected youth that goes beyond the limits of oft-explored urban streets alone. (3.5/5) See more

S R @ScottR Feb 11, 2018 1001 movies to see before you die. A romantic drama about a young couple in Parma Italy that was a little incestous. It was a good look at their culture, but had an odd ironic socialist undertone with the man being an elite socialist coming from privilege. It did resonate, but then the woman seemed a bit loony. It was interesting. RUS. See more

May 8, 2014 Bernardo Bertolucci's first groundbreaking masterpiece? Indeed it's full of his visions and ideals, but I just don't give a damn about them thanks to the tedious dialogues. See more

Feb 5, 2013 Absolutely gorgeously shot - especially since it was an apprentice effort from Bertolucci. A real tension between wanting to be a rebel and almost accepting that you are just as bourgeois as everyone else. See more

Mar 28, 2012 OK but why all the incest? Those wacky Italians. See more

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Before the Revolution

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