Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Venice in 1940 during World War II, The Key explores the intricate and transgressive psychological dynamics of an aging couple. Art professor Nino (Frank Finlay) realizes he can no longer satisfy his younger, passionate wife, Teresa (Stefania Sandrelli), the way she desires. Instead of letting jealousy take over, Nino articulates his innermost thoughts, frustrations and sexual fantasies in a private diary. Within its pages, he records the secret, forbidden wish to see Teresa make love to Laszlo (Franco Branciaroli), the fiancé of their daughter, Lisa (Barbara Cupisti, Stage Fright).
Knowing exactly what he is doing, Nino leaves the key to the drawer containing the diary out in the open, waiting for Teresa to find it and unlock a dangerous new world of desire, liberation and emotional surrender. The problem, as always, is that when you ignite passions for someone else, you run the risk of being left behind. Nino may enjoy the favors of his wife and their rekindled lovemaking, but he’ll always come second to Laszlo, whose fiancee already suspects.
Sandrelli is an absolute icon of Italian cinema who brought immense depth, vulnerability and sensuality to the screen. Genre and arthouse fans know her from legendary masterpieces like Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist and 1900, as well as Pietro Germi’s Divorce Italian Style. It’s amazing that Brass was working with such an important actress; legend says he wanted to hire Sophia Loren for this, but Sandrelli is perfect.
The film is adapted from the acclaimed Japanese novel of the same name by Junichiro Tanizaki, shifting the original setting from post-war Japan to wartime fascist Italy. It’s a story director Tinto Brass wanted to tell, but after making Caligula, his career had suffered. This feels like the start of his rebirth and it’s aided by the haunting and seductive musical score composed by the maestro Ennio Morricone.
The Cult Epics release of this film has a 4K transfer and restoration from the original camera negative. Extras include an audio commentary by film historians Eugenio Ercolani and Marcus Stiglegger; an interview with actor Franco Branciaroli; a location featurette; a special feature on Morricone and Brass; an isolated score; an archival interview with Brass; outtakes; poster galleries; 4K trailers of Brass’ movies; a slipcase; reversible art and an illustrated booklet with an article by Ercolani. You can get the 4K UHD or Blu-Ray from MVD.
