Watch L'Innocente

L'Innocente is a 1976 Italian film directed by Luchino Visconti, based on the novel of the same name by Gabriele D'Annunzio. The movie is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of Tullio Hermil (Giancarlo Giannini), a wealthy and handsome aristocrat who is married to Giuliana (Laura Antonelli), a reserved and loyal wife who has given him a son. Despite his apparent happiness, Tullio is constantly searching for excitement and passion, and soon embarks on an affair with the beautiful and seductive Teresa Raffo (Jennifer O'Neill).

As Tullio's infidelity becomes more blatant, he faces a dilemma when he discovers that his wife has been having an affair of her own with his best friend, Filippo (Massimo Girotti). Incensed with jealousy and consumed by his own desires, Tullio begins to scheme and plot against his wife, her lover, and his own mistress, leading to tragic consequences for all involved.

The movie is a study of the decadence and moral decay of the aristocracy in the late 19th century, as well as an exploration of the themes of jealousy, adultery, and the corrosive effects of passion. Visconti's direction is notable for its rich and opulent cinematography, which captures the lavish lifestyles and sumptuous settings of the aristocracy, as well as the subtle nuances of the characters' emotions and motivations.

Giannini delivers a powerful performance as Tullio, portraying him as a man torn between his love for his wife and his lust for his mistress, as well as his growing sense of betrayal and resentment towards those around him. Antonelli is equally impressive as Giuliana, conveying her quiet dignity and inner turmoil in the face of her husband's infidelity and her own forbidden love.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with O'Neill bringing a sultry and enigmatic presence to the role of Teresa Raffo, and Girotti imbuing the character of Filippo with a sense of tragic nobility and loyalty.

The movie's themes and narrative structure are complex and layered, with Visconti exploring the nature of desire, love, and morality through the lens of a society in decline. The movie's conclusion is both tragic and ambiguous, leaving the viewer to ponder the implications of the characters' actions and the themes of the film as a whole.

Overall, L'Innocente is a visually stunning and emotionally charged drama that continues to be regarded as a significant work of Italian cinema.

L'Innocente is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.