A concentration camp survivor discovers her former torturer and lover working as a porter at a hotel in postwar Vienna. When the couple attempt to re-create their sadomasochistic relationship, his former SS comrades begin to stalk them.
Acting
Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling commit to the unspeakable.
Direction
Cavani's flashback structure blurs pleasure and pain.
Cinematography
Shadowy Vienna hotels vs. harsh camp interrogation rooms.
Director
Liliana Cavani
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Roger Ebert called it 'as nasty as it is lubricious,' while Pauline Kael defended its seriousness. The 1974 feminist split remains fascinating.
Rampling kept her camp uniform; Bogarde, closeted in real life, said playing a Nazi who desires men and women was the most liberating role of his career.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
IT
