I have heard that this movie is supposed to be somewhat twisted and controversial when it came out. But what is your opinion of this movie, I have not seen it yet. But will see it soon.

...saw this movie, by the once -briefly- acclaimed Italian director Liliana Cavani, when it was new (1974) and 'controversial' (in the eyes of some) or considered absurd (in the eyes of many others, myself included) - I do remember that my SO at that time couldn't keep from giggling at various points during this (much too long) film - she was lucky: I was only bored/annoyed by the whole sordid mess.

"A downright deplorable film , with no cinematic skill or grace to excuse it; the visuals are as loathsome as the sound is indecipherable, and the sheer pointlessness of it is insulting" (Halliwell's Film & Video Guide 2000)

. . .

I watched it for the second time last night as a matter of fact. Even though it is slow at some parts I find myself enjoying the film. sfsdf or David Stein loves the movie a lot so maybe he will post here too.

I am a pretty jaded film viewer, but many people may find the films juxtaposition of Nazi iconography and masochistic sex quit disturbing. The last 5 minutes of the film are totally haunting. The film contains 5 of 6 incredibly haunting moments wraped up in a pretty unremarkable 2 hour package, but the power of those few moments is enough to make the film worth seeing.

I recently saw the female star of the Night Porter, Charlotte Rampling, on Charlie Rose suporting some new film she is in with Stellan Skarsgard. She talked about her new film mostly but they talked about Night Porter as well, and she mentioned how dificult the role was for her. She also noted specifically how much she loved working with the male star (whatever his name is) and how hard they worked to create a truely believable and intense relationship.

"...the male star (whatever his name is)..."

...and you watched the movie twice?

That 'male star' was none other than the late, great Dirk Bogarde who also starred in Visconti's 1971 Death In Venice and in Joseph Losey's 1963 The Servant and...

Oh, what's the use...

! !

I enjoyed the movie myself. It is slow paced, but I think the characters are so interesting/unusual and perhaps even demented enough to draw me into the story.

Hey lay off Hendrick I don't have a photographic memory like you okay!

Thanks guys, it was very helpful. I received the film yesterday and watched it this morning. I enjoyed it, even though it was a little slow (believe that was the purpose of the director to show the time they were locked up in his apartment and to explain how much time he had to think of his past crimes.) Anyway, I liked it and it was definitly worth getting.

Dirk who?

Oh yeah. He was on Battlestar Galactica RIGHT? With that Richard (whatever his name is). You know? The guy who was descended from that "V" fellow who killed all those French people with his longbows.....

Claude Monet made a film about presenting a play about it. I'm pretty sure.

Oh and as far as "The Night Porter" goes: It's all downhill after the picture on the box cover.