The Innocent (aka L'Innocente) (1976)

A 19th century aristocrat (Giancarlo Giannini) is obsessed with his mistress (Jennifer O'Neill, SUMMER OF 42) which causes his wife (Laura Antonelli) great grief. She finds herself attracted to another man (Marc Porel). But what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander and the husband begins breaking down. Based on the novel THE INTRUDER by Gabriele D'Annunzio and directed by Luchino Visconti, whose final film this is. The film is a visually sumptuous and emotionally disturbing exploration of romantic pride. But the material's intellectual reserve distances us from the characters which works against it. Giannini's character is one of the most narcissistic characters I've ever encountered in cinema and he is matched by O'Neill's Machiavellian paramour which only leaves Antonelli's tormented spouse for us to relate to. Still, it's an impressive swan song from a legendary film maker and a film whose beauty and horror won't soon leave you. With Rina Morelli and Massimo Girotti.