1900 (1976)

Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1900 (Novecento in Italian) is a sweeping five-hour historical epic, chronicling Italy’s turbulent journey through the 20th century as seen through the intertwined lives of two men—one born into wealth, the other into poverty. The film is political, poetic, controversial, and monumental in its ambition, often considered one of the most important European films of its era.

Detailed Summary

The Birth of Two Men

The story begins in 1901 with the birth of two boys on the same day in Emilia-Romagna: Alfredo (Robert De Niro), the grandson of a wealthy landowner, and Olmo (Gérard Depardieu), the illegitimate son of a peasant woman. Their parallel lives—one privileged, one oppressed—form the backbone of the narrative.

Childhood and Early Bonds

Despite their different class backgrounds, Alfredo and Olmo grow up as friends. Their childhood interactions reveal the injustices baked into the class system: Alfredo is coddled and destined to inherit power, while Olmo is burdened by poverty and labor. Yet their friendship is genuine, reflecting the human connections that transcend social divides.

Political Awakening and Class Struggles

As they mature, the political climate of Italy begins to intensify. Socialism takes root among the peasants, while Fascism begins to rise. Olmo becomes a socialist, fighting for the rights of workers. Alfredo, though sympathetic, often stands on the sidelines, torn between loyalty to his friend and the expectations of his wealthy family.

The Rise of Fascism: Enter Attila

The brutal foreman Attila (Donald Sutherland) and his sadistic wife Regina (Laura Betti) embody the fascist menace. Attila terrorizes peasants with cruelty and violence, a grotesque representation of fascist oppression. His presence drives much of the conflict, escalating tensions between landowners and workers.

Love, Marriage, and Betrayal

Alfredo marries Ada (Dominique Sanda), but their relationship is strained by his inability to fully oppose fascism. Olmo, meanwhile, finds love among the workers but also faces constant persecution. Their personal lives are deeply intertwined with the larger socio-political upheavals of Italy.

Liberation and Reckoning

As World War II ends and the Fascists are defeated, the peasants rise up. Attila and Regina are captured, and in a cathartic moment of justice, they are executed by the people they terrorized. This climax represents the symbolic end of fascist terror.

Movie Ending

The ending of 1900 is both symbolic and emotionally powerful. After the execution of Attila and Regina, the peasants convene a tribunal to put Alfredo on trial. Although he has not committed atrocities like Attila, Alfredo is judged for being part of the landowning class that enabled fascism and exploited workers for generations.

The tribunal sentences Alfredo to death. Olmo, however, refuses to let his childhood friend be killed. Instead, he publicly humiliates him, strips away his authority, and declares that the class struggle will continue long after their lifetimes. Alfredo is forced to live with the shame of his position in history, a fate portrayed as worse than death.

The film then jumps back to childhood, showing Alfredo and Olmo as boys again, running together in the countryside. This final scene suggests that while individuals die, the cycle of struggle between classes continues eternally, symbolized by the friendship—and conflict—between these two men.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, 1900 does not feature any post-credits scenes. Like many films of its era, it ends conclusively with its narrative and does not extend beyond its closing sequences.

Type of Movie

1900 is an epic historical drama and political film. It combines personal stories with sweeping socio-political commentary, exploring themes of class conflict, fascism, socialism, love, and betrayal.

Cast

• Robert De Niro as Alfredo Berlinghieri
• Gérard Depardieu as Olmo Dalcò
• Dominique Sanda as Ada Fabbri
• Donald Sutherland as Attila Mellanchini
• Laura Betti as Regina
• Burt Lancaster as Alfredo’s grandfather
• Sterling Hayden as Leo Dalcò (Olmo’s grandfather)

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Ennio Morricone, one of cinema’s greatest composers. His music for 1900 is both lyrical and haunting, blending folk-inspired themes with orchestral grandeur, perfectly reflecting the epic scope of the story.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, including Parma and Reggio Emilia. These rural landscapes are not just a backdrop but a character in themselves, symbolizing the bond between people, land, and history. The authenticity of the setting grounds the political story in a tangible reality.

Awards and Nominations

1900 was not a major awards contender due to its controversial themes, explicit content, and extreme length (over 5 hours). However, it received critical recognition for its direction, performances, and Morricone’s score. Today, it is widely considered a cult masterpiece.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Bernardo Bertolucci wanted the film to be “a people’s epic,” inspired by the works of Soviet filmmakers like Sergei Eisenstein.
• The movie was controversial upon release, censored in several countries due to its sexual and violent content.
• Robert De Niro and Gérard Depardieu reportedly improvised parts of their performances to enhance the natural chemistry between their characters.
• Donald Sutherland’s portrayal of Attila was so disturbing that it shocked many audiences and critics at the time.

Inspirations and References

The film is inspired by Italian political history, particularly the rise of socialism and fascism in the 20th century. Bertolucci, a Marxist, drew from his own experiences growing up in Emilia-Romagna, a stronghold of leftist politics. It also echoes Soviet cinema in its depiction of class struggle.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no alternate endings, but multiple versions of the film exist. The uncut version runs over 5 hours, while international releases were often trimmed significantly, cutting key political and character moments. These shorter cuts were criticized for diluting Bertolucci’s vision.

Book Adaptations and Differences

1900 is not based on a novel but is an original screenplay by Bertolucci. However, it draws heavily on real historical events and ideological struggles in Italy.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The simultaneous birth of Alfredo and Olmo, symbolizing their lifelong connection.
• Attila’s brutal murders, showcasing fascist cruelty in shocking detail.
• The peasants’ tribunal against Alfredo after WWII.
• The execution of Attila and Regina.
• The final scene of Alfredo and Olmo as children, circling back to the beginning.

Iconic Quotes

• Olmo: “The padrone is always the padrone.”
• Alfredo: “I didn’t choose to be born rich.”
• Olmo (to Alfredo): “We are the same age, but you will always be the master, and I will always be the peasant.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The movie’s timeline mirrors real Italian history from 1900 to 1945.
• The names Alfredo and Olmo symbolize contrasting classes: Alfredo representing the aristocracy, Olmo (meaning “elm tree” in Italian) symbolizing a natural, grounded connection to the land.
• Bertolucci’s use of natural light in rural scenes evokes a nostalgic, almost painterly quality.

Trivia

• The original cut is 317 minutes, making it one of the longest narrative films ever released.
• Paramount Pictures struggled to distribute it in the U.S. because of its length and controversial content.
• Bertolucci considered the film a Marxist statement wrapped in an epic melodrama.
• Donald Sutherland later admitted his Attila role was one of the hardest of his career due to its disturbing nature.

Why Watch?

Watch 1900 if you want a film that is not just entertainment but a historical and political experience. It’s raw, uncompromising, and emotionally devastating, with unforgettable performances and breathtaking music. If you enjoy epics that tackle the big questions of history, class, and human struggle, this film is essential viewing.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Conformist (1970)
• Last Tango in Paris (1972)
• The Last Emperor (1987)
• The Sheltering Sky (1990)
• The Dreamers (2003)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Conformist (1970)
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
• The Last Emperor (1987)
• Rocco and His Brothers (1960)
• Sacco and Vanzetti (1971)