The Butterfly's Dream

This European existential drama utilizes complex symbols inspired by abstract psychological theories to explore the effects and reasons behind a young classical actor's decision to stop talking. No one knows why Massimo has vowed to stop talking. Other than speaking dialog from classical plays, Massimo refuses to say a single word. His father, a classic-literature professor believes it reflects to a disappointing love affair. His new girlfriend thinks Massimo is rebelling against his mother, a poet. A director learns of Massimo and commissions his mother to write a play about him. Though Massimo plays himself in the play, and does speak, he returns to silence when the play is finished.

Director(s): Marco Bellocchio

Production: Filmalbatros, Pierre Grise Productions, Happy Valley Films, Waka Films, Istituto Luce-Italnoleggio Cinematografico, SRG SSR, Televisione Svizzera Italiana (TSI), European Script Fund, Office Fédéral de la Culture, RAI

Languages: Italian

IMDB: tt0111230