Thirst for Freedom. Ethics, Aesthetics, and Eroticism

Born in Milan but deeply connected to Venice, the city that is his mother, wife, and lover, Tinto Brass exhibited a rebellious character from childhood. Intolerant of any form of authority, he soon broke away from his family, who saw him as a reckless and decadent young man, a playboy who merely caused problems. Having learned the art of cinema from Roberto Rossellini and Joris Ivens, Tinto Brass dedicated himself to the genre of erotic cinema and began creating such landmark films as Caligula, The Key, The Voyeur, and Salon Kitty, becoming the undisputed maestro of Italian eroticism. Tinto Brass's films not only presented a new approach to erotic aesthetics but also became vivid statements about freedom, enlightenment, and society. In response to critics' attacks, Brass answered with Aristotelian syllogisms and new ethical dilemmas in his films; his bold methods and approaches were admired by Federico Fellini and Pier Paolo Pasolini. This book offers a glimpse behind the scenes with Tinto Brass, as well as highlights the main milestones of his creative path.