A masterpiece of 20th century art, a profound look at the contradictions of contemporary man
Alain Delon in one of his most intense roles, full of anguish yet capable of unexpected outbursts of tenderness
What is “the first night of quiet” of the title? The answer is explained by Professor Dominici: Goethe’s verses hide the relief of death, a long-awaited for sleep free from dreams. With this film, Valerio Zurlini confirms his reputation as one of the great narrators of contemporary man, and all the contradictions that make him a stranger unto himself. The director blends sublimely refined literary and artist citations with the degradation of a dark and vulgar Rimini, characterised by a gloomy half-light. He is able to weave an extraordinary universe that alternates between torment, tenderness, the thirst for purification, a sense of guilt, pure melodramatic escapist ecstasy and self-destructive impulses. Alain Delon was so passionate about his character that he also became a producer on the film (leading to some disagreements with Zurlini during shooting). His performance as Professor Dominici resulted in one of his most intense roles: a man suffused with anguish yet capable of sudden outbursts of tenderness. La prima notte di quiete is a masterpiece of 20th century art.
Daniele Dominici, a man with a dark past, arrives in Rimini to teach in a high school. He begins to hang around with a group of young men and falls in love with Vanina, one of his students: she too has a past she wants to keep hidden. Dominici lives with a woman who left her husband for him, and he fears that his love for Vanina could lead her to commit suicide. A frantic car trip along a foggy road will bring an end to his life.
Restoration
Digitally restored in 4K from the original negatives by Cineteca di Bologna, in collaboration with Titanus. Restoration work carried out by L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
A masterpiece of 20th century art, a profound look at the contradictions of contemporary man
Alain Delon in one of his most intense roles, full of anguish yet capable of unexpected outbursts of tenderness
What is “the first night of quiet” of the title? The answer is explained by Professor Dominici: Goethe’s verses hide the relief of death, a long-awaited for sleep free from dreams. With this film, Valerio Zurlini confirms his reputation as one of the great narrators of contemporary man, and all the contradictions that make him a stranger unto himself. The director blends sublimely refined literary and artist citations with the degradation of a dark and vulgar Rimini, characterised by a gloomy half-light. He is able to weave an extraordinary universe that alternates between torment, tenderness, the thirst for purification, a sense of guilt, pure melodramatic escapist ecstasy and self-destructive impulses. Alain Delon was so passionate about his character that he also became a producer on the film (leading to some disagreements with Zurlini during shooting). His performance as Professor Dominici resulted in one of his most intense roles: a man suffused with anguish yet capable of sudden outbursts of tenderness. La prima notte di quiete is a masterpiece of 20th century art.
Daniele Dominici, a man with a dark past, arrives in Rimini to teach in a high school. He begins to hang around with a group of young men and falls in love with Vanina, one of his students: she too has a past she wants to keep hidden. Dominici lives with a woman who left her husband for him, and he fears that his love for Vanina could lead her to commit suicide. A frantic car trip along a foggy road will bring an end to his life.
Restoration
Digitally restored in 4K from the original negatives by Cineteca di Bologna, in collaboration with Titanus. Restoration work carried out by L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
