In this Baroque version of the notorious womanzier’s “Memoirs,” Donald Sutherland, then at the height of his career, plays the 18th century adventurer.
Our Grade: B+
Fellini’s Casanova
The film depicts Casanova’s life as a journey into sexual abandonment, and his relationship with what he claimed was the “love of his life,” Henriette (played by Tina Aumont).
The narrative presents Casanova’s adventures in a detached, methodical fashion, as the respect for which he yearns is constantly undermined by his more basic urges.
The final scene depicts a weary, bloodshot Casanova cringing in an armchair and recounting a recent dream.
In this dream, Casanova is back in Venice, chasing the ghosts of his past lovers, all of whom disappear. An ornate stagecoach then beckons him to join its passengers, and he finally meets again with Rosalba, the mechanical doll.
At the time of its release, critics complained that the movie was overlong (155 minutes) and self-indulgent.
This adaptation of the popular Casanova tale divided critics and audiences. Fellini was charged by his critics–I think unfairly–of drifting from inspired free flights of his imagination toward an elusive and rambling expressive forms.
However, at Oscar time, members of the Academy showed greater appreciation for the end result.
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Oscar Alert
Oscar Nominations: 2
Screenplay (Adapted): Federico Fellini and Bernadino Zapponi
Costume Design: Danilo Donati
Oscar Awards: 1
Costume Design
Oscar Context
Danilo Dontai, who also oversaw the sets, was a multiple Oscar nominee, including nods for several Fellini and other films, such as “Mandragola” (1966) and “The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1966).
And so was Fellini, as both director and writer, though he never won a legit, competitive Oscar. In 1993, just months before his death, Fellini received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy.
The winner of the Adapted Screenplay Oscar was William Goldman for “All the President’s Man,” which was also nominated for Best Picture.
Directed by Federico Fellini
Screenplay: Fellini and Bernardino Zapponi, based on Histoire de ma vie by Giacomo Casanova
Produced by Alberto Grimaldi
Cinematography Giuseppe Rotunno
Edited by Ruggero Mastroianni
Music by Nino Rota
Release date: December 7, 1976 (Italy)
Running time: 155 minutes