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Il mostro dell’Opera (15*)

1964

Il mostro dell'Opera

Polselli's 1964 adaptation sees the man in the catacombs turn into a vampire. 

One of a large number of more-or-less gothic productions to come out of Italy in the late 1950s and early 60s, this rare film represents an early example of literary/cinematic mash-up, in which the phantom that haunts the theatre in full evening dress is not a disfigured madman but a rather sophisticated individual who just happens to be a vampire.

With its themes of homosexuality, changing attitudes to love, and theatrical tradition vs innovation, Il mostro dell’Opera also represents a fascinating insight into Italian social mores in the years immediately before the 1968 watershed.

Italy 1964 Dir Renato Polselli 80 min

In Italian with English subtitles

* = This film has been locally classified by the City of London Corporation

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Barbican Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
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