1900 (1976)

Plot: Both born in 1901, two Italian Boys (one rich, one poor) view and participate in the 20th Century struggle between Communism and Fascism
Stars: Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster
Best Quote: Bertolucci had his pick of actors a free run with his budget, the freedom to make a personal film. And he blew it - Roger Ebert

An Epic, five hour film, 1900 is notable for its international cast, beautiful cinematography, and the occasional striking, interesting set-scene. Unfortunately, it also has cardboard/cartoon characters,  over-the-top violence, lots of poop, male nudity, and a rambling plot that goes nowhere.

You get the impression Bertolucci just winged the whole thing, arriving on the set everyday saying: "Hey, lets do something crazy " and coming up with stuff like: De Niro showing his ding-dong,  De Niro doing cocaine, manure coming about of a horse's anus, child rape/murder, and a cat being head-butted to death.

So, its a pretty long five hours. How did anyone get through this in 1976?  Did every theater ticket come with a flask of Whisky?

And politically the film is a bore. Bertolucci was a Marxist. So, everything is a cartoon.  The Fascists are child murderers (really),  the Commies are the good guys, and the  Bourgeois land owners are worthless and stupid.

This is the kind of movie, you must watch on DVD.  You can fast forward when things get dull or half-watch it and do the laundry. And because there's no real plot or character development you won't really miss anything. Occasionally, when it gets interesting - you can tune in.

Its too bad. Because the movie LOOKS great. And Bertolucci obviously knew how to film an interesting scene. Unfortunately, he can't tell a story. Or create good, interesting, characters. Or provide any insight into human nature or politics that would surprise a 14 year old.

Lancaster - Burt's really a bit player in this one, showing up at the beginning and playing the old Landowner.  His big scene occurs in a barn, where a young maiden milks a cow and then tries to have sex with him.  But poor Burt, can't do it - he's too old, so he kills himself.  Lancaster does the scene well enough. According, to one biographer he was so obsessed with working with Bertolucci (who'd turned him down for Last Tango) that he worked for scale.