Bernardo Bertolucci's Net Worth and Career Achievements
Bernardo Bertolucci was an esteemed Italian film director and screenwriter, amassing a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death in 2018. Born on March 16, 1941, in Parma, Italy, Bertolucci initially pursued poetry, inspired by his father, Attilio Bertolucci, a renowned poet. However, his passion for cinema eventually overshadowed his literary aspirations, leading him to become one of the most celebrated directors in film history.
Career and Controversies
Bertolucci's filmography is extensive, featuring groundbreaking films such as The Conformist, Last Tango in Paris, 1900, The Last Emperor, The Sheltering Sky, and The Dreamers. His most controversial work, Last Tango in Paris, released in 1972, sparked global debate due to its explicit content, particularly a scene depicting anal rape.
Last Tango in Paris Controversy
The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Bertolucci had deliberately withheld crucial scene details from actress Maria Schneider, who was only nineteen at the time, to elicit a more genuine performance. In 2013, Bertolucci publicly expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the emotional toll on Schneider and others involved, including Marlon Brando, who distanced himself from Bertolucci for years due to the film’s fallout.
Achievements and Legacy
Despite controversies, Bertolucci's talent was undeniable. In 1988, his film The Last Emperor won all nine Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture and Best Director. Additionally, Bertolucci was honored with the Golden Lion Award at the 2007 Venice Film Festival for his lifelong contributions to cinema, as well as the inaugural Honorary Palme d'Or Award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Throughout his career, Bertolucci received numerous accolades, including sixteen cinematographic awards and twenty-four filmography distinctions between 1962 and 2012.
Bernardo Bertolucci passed away on November 26, 2018, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 77, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that continues to influence filmmakers worldwide.
