Bernardo Bertolucci's excessive look into the life of a troubled teenager created quite a stir upon its original release because of controversial subject matter, which included an incestuous relationship between mother and son. There really seems to be no reason to include such a scene
beyond box-office possibilities and Bertolucci's own desire to see just how far he could go. Clayburgh is the mother-opera singer, married to Gwynne who believes that the boy is his. Barry is the spoiled son desperately in need of a strong father to keep him in line, a role Gwynne cannot provide.
He finally gets his much-needed guidance by the end of the film; the real father is hidi...
Released:
1979
Rated:
R
Length:
139 mins