Italian Film Director Tinto Brass Dies in Rome Aged 93

Italian film director Tinto Brass, known for his work in experimental and erotic cinema, has died in Rome at the age of 93. His wife, Caterina Varzi, confirmed his death in the Italian capital. Brass passed away in Isola Farnese, an area on the outskirts of Rome where he had resided in recent years.

Born in Milan on March 26, 1933, Brass initially studied law before relocating to Paris, where he worked in editing at the Cinémathèque. Upon his return to Italy, he assisted director Roberto Rossellini as an editor on "L'India vista da Rossellini" and as an assistant director on "Il Generale della Rovere". His own directorial debut came in 1963 with "In capo al mondo", a project examining youth discontent that was renamed "Chi lavora è perduto" after encountering censorship. He continued exploring experimental language during the 1960s and early 1970s with works such as "Col cuore in gola", "L'urlo", "Nerosubianco", and "La vacanza".

Brass transitioned toward erotic themes during the mid-1970s, directing "Salon Kitty" in 1975, which examined relationships between sex, power, and money. Four years later, he directed "Caligula", a production that became entangled in extended legal disputes and was seized by authorities over obscenity charges. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brass established a prominent place in Italian commercial cinema with titles such as "La chiave", starring Stefania Sandrelli, "Miranda", starring Serena Grandi, and "Capriccio". His later filmography included "Paprika", "Così fan tutte", and "L'uomo che guarda", an adaptation of a novel by Alberto Moravia.

In addition to his film production, Brass published the booklet "Elogio del culo", acted in several projects, and contributed to Penthouse magazine. His first wife, Carla Cipriani, died in 2006, after which he married Varzi in 2017, who managed his archives. Prior to his death, the National Union of Italian Film Journalists presented Brass with the Pietro Bianchi Award. A restored 4K version of his 1967 film "Col cuore in gola" was screened at the Venice International Film Festival in September, though health issues prevented him from attending in person.

During the Venice festival, Varzi read a message from Brass expressing his gratitude to the Biennale, the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, and the restoration team. On the occasion of his 90th birthday, Brass had stated his wish to have his ashes scattered in the Venice lagoon.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com