Infamous Italian director Tinto Brass, helmer of controversial erotic historical epics including “Caligula” and “Salon Kitty,” has died at the age of 93. Brass’ family announced the news of his death to Italian press agency Ansa earlier today.
The Milan-born filmmaaker studied law before going into film during the late 1950s and worked under Roberto Rossellini. He made his filmmaking debut in 1963 with “Chi Lavora è Perduto”.
After several UK films, including most notably “Deadly Sweet,” Brass broke out internationally with the wartime drama “Salon Kitty” in 1976 which was set in a high-class Berlin brothel used by the Nazi intelligence service.
Brass is most famous though for 1984’s “Caligula” starring Helen Mirren, Malcolm McDowell, John Gielgud and Peter O’Toole. The big budget historical epic was shot in 1979 with Brass directing from a script by screenwriter Gore Vidal. in 1980, Penthouse founder Bob Guccione fought with the two men and took control of the project.
The film was recut and additional scenes were shot featuring graphic adult content inserted amongst the existing footage. That prompted Brass and Vidal to sue to have their names removed from the picture which opened in 1984 and was banned in various countries for years.
Other Brass works include “The Key,” “Black Angel” and “Fallo”.
Source: Variety
