1994 · drama

The Butterfly's Dream

Directed by Marco Bellocchio · 1h 51m · 1994

This European existential drama utilizes complex symbols inspired by abstract psychological theories to explore the effects and reasons behind a young classical actor's decision to stop talking. No one knows why Massimo has vowed to stop talking. Other than speaking dialog from classical plays, Massimo refuses to say a single word. His father, a classic-literature professor believes it reflects to a disappointing love affair. His new girlfriend thinks Massimo is rebelling against his mother, a poet. A director learns of Massimo and commissions his mother to write a play about him. Though Massimo plays himself in the play, and does speak, he returns to silence when the play is finished.

Our read: The Butterfly's Dream (1994) reads as a heavy, measured, inventive drama entry — measured in intensity, intimate in scope, measured in temperature, nihilistic in outlook.