Franco Zeffirelli, conformista ribelle

The documentary relates the decisive moments, the turning points and the rollercoaster ride of a brilliant, eventful international career and the extraordinary life of a great Italian artist. From his origins as an illegitimate child with no name to the attainment of great international fame as a film director, art director, painter and stager of theatrical and operatic productions. Through original and archive interviews with some of the most acclaimed stars who have known, admired and loved him and with his closest relatives, friends and collaborators, this gripping account paints a picture of the person and the artist—and not just “the master”—Franco Zeffirelli in all his many and even conflicting facets. This many-sided character found expression in his vast artistic production, as well as in his political choices, his spirituality and his love of mystery, in his friendships and in his legendary disputes with antagonistic critics. This is a well-rounded portrait, with continual ups and downs, of an artist who for many decades promoted and brought honor to Italian culture, both highbrow and popular, in the great capitals of the world. (Venice International Film Festival)