THE KEY
Italy, 1983, 116 minutes, Colour.
Frank Finlay, Stefania Sandrelli.
Directed by Tinto Brass.
The Key is a psychological drama based on a novel by Japanese author, It was previously filmed in the '50s by celebrated Japanese director Kon Ichikawa.
This film was written by Tinto Brass. Brass directed Salon Kitty and directed most of The Penthouse version of Caligula. However, when Bob Guccione took over, his name was removed as director - though he still received a credit for writing and advice.
The film capitalises on the frankness of cinema of the '70s and,'80s - in its presentation of relationships, sexuality. Frank Finlay is a strange choice for. the hero. Stefania Sandrelli is effective as his wife. The film is a bizarre look at relationships between men and women, communication through emotion, sexuality, writing, mutually read hidden diaries. There is also an exploration of themes of jealousy, envy - and the provocation of the partner into betrayal.
The film is set in Venice in 1940 - and is also designed as a metaphor for Italy making its transition from the old world before World War Two into the hew world.
1. Interesting? Entertaining? The origins of the screenplay In a Japanese novel? Adapted to an Italian setting? The international flavour with the cast?
2. The atmosphere of Venice, Italy in 1940, the outbreak of the war, Mussolini's regime? The atmosphere of fascist Italy?
A changing world? Venice as a microcosm?
3. Themes of basic drives, power, violence, sexuality, commitment and betrayal? The focus on the sexual and the sensual? Lust, love, power? The film's screenplay striving for visual equivalents and symbols for its intellectual content and exploration?
4. Nino as an Italian, middle-aged man, his professional skills, art, fake paintings? His relationship Teresa? His social life? The social life of Venice? In himself, his health, sexual powers and testing their, relationships, self-exertion? The journal - written to be read? Photographs? his encounter with Laslo, putting temptation in his way, the affair, Nino as voyeur and its effect on him? Reading Teresa's journal? The creating of new bonds with Teresa? The sensuality of their encounters? His stroke? His death - his relationship with his daughter, Lisa and the truth? The effect on Laslo? On Teresa? The Mussolini regime and the end of an era? An old Italy dying?
5. The portrait of Teresa - as an Italian woman, in herself, her age, the quality of her relationship, the marriage? The importance of her diary? The encounters with Laslo? The photographs the sensuality, nudity, sexual drive? The effect on her? The effect of the relationship with Laslo? Going back to him, the strength of the relationship, the sexual encounter, his death? The film's comment on the role of the Italian wife? Fidelity? Sexuality and the death of the old Italian?
6. Laslo and Lisa, their work, photography, the quality of their relationship? To Nina and Teresa? The encounter with Teresa, the affair and its consequences? Lisa and her role?
7. The sketch of Venice, society, manners and morals, decadence and values, the end of the '30s, the war?
8. The interrelationship between characters and politics? The film as a psychological and moral fable?
