L'Innocente (The Innocent) (The Intruder) (1976)

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(456 ratings)

Based on a novel by Gabriele d'Annunzio, The Innocent (L'Innocente) is set amongst the aristocracy of 19th-century Italy. Wealthy Tullio (Giancarlo Giannini) thinks nothing of squiring his mistress (Jennifer O'Neill) in full view of his friends and the public. But when Giannini's cast-off wife… More Based on a novel by Gabriele d'Annunzio, The Innocent (L'Innocente) is set amongst the aristocracy of 19th-century Italy. Wealthy Tullio (Giancarlo Giannini) thinks nothing of squiring his mistress (Jennifer O'Neill) in full view of his friends and the public. But when Giannini's cast-off wife (Laura Antonelli) begins an affair with a young novelist (based, it is said, on author d'Annunzio), it is too much for the philandering aristocrat. Outside of Erich von Stroheim, few directors were as masterful at combining lavishness with depravity as Luchino Visconti. The Innocent turned out to be Visconti's last film; he died in 1976, shortly before the picture's premiere. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 5 min.
Directed By: Luchino Visconti
Written By: Suso Cecchi d'Amico, Gabriele D'Annunzio, Angelo D'Amico, Luchino Visconti, Enrico Medioli
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1976 Wide
On DVD: Mar 10, 2009
Studio: Koch Vision

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
An adagio finale for a fortissimo career.
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
Coming after the dissolute wackiness of Ludwig and the cavorting valedictory of Conversation Piece, Luchino Visconti's swan song L'Innocente is something of a genteel and stately affair.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stefanie C

Life's rich tapestry ~ Visconti is THE visual master. This decadent, fin de siecle oevre is not only a farewell to the aristocracy, but to Visconti's own life. Giancarlo Giannini gives a strong, visceral performance as a Nietzchean superman, living beyond good and evil.… More
Life's rich tapestry ~ Visconti is THE visual master. This decadent, fin de siecle oevre is not only a farewell to the aristocracy, but to Visconti's own life. Giancarlo Giannini gives a strong, visceral performance as a Nietzchean superman, living beyond good and evil. Laura Antonelli offers a subtle and nuanced performance. This would have been a five star film had Visconti been able to complete editing before his death.
Walter M

"L'Innocente" is a methodically plotted film whose sumptuous visuals belie the inner decay occurring amongst the aristocracy in 19th century Italy. In creating this world of endless formalities, functions and fencing, director Luchino Visconti may have succeeded too… More
"L'Innocente" is a methodically plotted film whose sumptuous visuals belie the inner decay occurring amongst the aristocracy in 19th century Italy. In creating this world of endless formalities, functions and fencing, director Luchino Visconti may have succeeded too well as the story stagnates before slowly building to its unforgettable climax and finale. At the center of this world are Tullio(Giancarlo Giannini) and Giuliana(Laura Antonelli) Hermil, trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. He is obsessed with his mistress Teresa(Jennifer O'Neill) who spurns him at a party for the company of Count Egano(Massimo Girotti).
Dimitris S

Visconti's opera out of control...Loosened strings and the damage is catastrophic.If only it were in the middle of his creative period,we would be placing it amongst gigantic films like Ludwig.An artistic exuberance nonetheless reaping the inner personalities of the… More
Visconti's opera out of control...Loosened strings and the damage is catastrophic.If only it were in the middle of his creative period,we would be placing it amongst gigantic films like Ludwig.An artistic exuberance nonetheless reaping the inner personalities of the protagonists.The eye-candy costume/art direction representation is a wondrous contrast to the filth of aristocracy.
Patrick D

A little cold and uninteresting at times but Giancarlo Giannini is really amazing and disturbing in it.