"To scandalize is a right, and to be scandalized is a pleasure". Those words by the great Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini proved to be prophetic indeed. The filmmaker's life was one where his many great films, such as The Gospel According to Matthew and The Decameron were met with just as many scandals surrounding his politics and sexuality. Even his death would turn out to be one surrounded by mystery and controversy, and serves the basis for Abel Ferrara's film, Pasolini, which has just released its first trailer ahead of premieres in Venice and Toronto.
Willem Dafoe takes on the role of the Italian director in a story that chronicles the final days of his life in 1975. It's at this time he's battling with censors over his last film, Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom, and interviewing with journalists about his career. But the events leading up to his murder are also hinted at, especially in that final car ride at the tail end, and just how far Ferrara intends to go in exploring the crime is unclear. What's clearer is this looks like a strong, dialed-down performance by Dafoe and a beautifully shot ode to a great director. Hopefully it finds a way to the U.S.
