Release: 1983-10-19
Runtime: 1h 50m (110 minutes)
Art professor Nino Rolfe attempts to break down his wife Teresa's conventional modesty. Noticing her affection for their daughter's fiancé, Nino instigates her sexual interest in him - setting off a chain of unexpected events and emotional complications...
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Genres: Drama, Romance
Cast: Tinto Brass, Stefania Sandrelli, Frank Finlay, more
Tinto Brass
as Father Confessor
Stefania Sandrelli
as Teresa Rolfe
Frank Finlay
as Nino Rolfe
Rossana Canghiari
as Party Guest (uncredited)
Ugo Tognazzi
as drunk
Barbara Cupisti
as Lisa Rolfe
Eolo Capritti
as
Franco Branciaroli
as Laszlo Apony
Ricky Tognazzi
as student
Milly Corinaldi
as Giustina
Armando Marra
as
Osiride Pevarello
as
Tinto Brass
Writer
Tinto Brass
Director
Tinto Brass
Editor
Ennio Morricone
Original Music Composer
Ennio Morricone
Music Director
Ricky Tognazzi
Assistant Director
Junichirō Tanizaki
Novel
Carla Cipriani
Continuity
Domenico Saverni
Second Assistant Director
Giovanni Bertolucci
Producer
Fabrizio Sforza
Makeup Artist
Fabrizio Sforza
Still Photographer
Art professor Nino Rolfe attempts to break down his wife Teresa's conventional modesty. Noticing her affection for their daughter's fiancé, Nino instigates her sexual interest in him - setting off a chain of unexpected events and emotional complications...
TOO HOT for Italian cinemas! Judges close down all theatres screening "THE KEY"!
The Key (Italian: La chiave) is a notable Italian film directed by Tinto Brass, released in 1983. This erotic drama is based on the novel Kagi by Junichiro Tanizaki. Set in Venice during the early months of 1940, the film explores themes of desire and sexuality under the shadow of the fascist regime.
The story follows Nino Rolfe, a retired art teacher played by Frank Finlay, who struggles with his relationship with his wife, Teresa, portrayed by Stefania Sandrelli. After two decades of marriage, Nino feels frustrated by Teresa's inability to respond to his affection. In a bid to open up their relationship, he begins documenting his feelings in a locked diary, leaving the key for her to discover.
After a party, Teresa passes out, and their daughter's fiancé, Laszlo, intervenes and administers medical help. This moment ignites a passionate affair between Teresa and Laszlo, creating a complex web of desire and hidden secrets. As Nino secretly photographs Teresa while she sleeps, the story delves into a mix of guilt and liberation. The film highlights Teresa's transformation as she embraces her sexuality, ultimately seeking to please Nino as well.
Key Cast:
The film faced controversy due to its explicit content, including nudity and sexual scenes, which some critics described as overly graphic. Despite this, The Key achieved a level of commercial success and is recognized for its notable direction and production values.
Critics have offered mixed assessments of the film. Some reviews commend its artistic approach to exploring sexuality, while others note that the political context is weaker than in other films from the same era. The Key is often discussed in relation to other films of the time, such as The Conformist by Bernardo Bertolucci.
With a runtime of 116 minutes, this film stands out not only for its provocative themes but also for its unique setting in a historically rich city during a tumultuous period. It remains a significant work within the genre of erotic cinema, reflecting the cultural attitudes of its time.
For more information about this film, you can visit its page on IMDb.
