Stealing Beauty (French: Beauté volée; Italian: Io ballo da sola) is a 1996 drama film directed by the acclaimed Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci, known for his lush cinematography and intimate storytelling. The film stars Liv Tyler in her breakout leading role, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Joseph Fiennes, Jeremy Irons, Sinéad Cusack, and Rachel Weisz. Co-written by Bertolucci and Susan Minot, the film delves into themes of self-discovery, love, grief, and art, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Tuscan countryside.
The story follows Lucy Harmon (Tyler), a 19-year-old American girl who travels to a stunning villa near Siena, Italy, to stay with family friends following the tragic suicide of her poet mother. Her journey intertwines with a dual quest: to reconnect with an Italian boy she kissed during a prior visit and to uncover the identity of her biological father—a mystery her mother hinted might be solved within the villa’s circle of inhabitants.
Plot Summary
Lucy’s arrival at the villa is met with curiosity and intrigue by its eclectic residents. Among them are Alex Parrish (Jeremy Irons), a terminally ill English writer who becomes a confidant and admirer of Lucy, and various artists and bohemians who share deep connections with her late mother. As Lucy immerses herself in the villa’s free-spirited environment, she navigates her own emotional landscape: grief for her mother, the blossoming of her sexuality, and a profound desire to belong.
Lucy’s exploration of love and identity is marked by her interactions with different characters. The men in the household become captivated by her youthful innocence and beauty, but her attentions are focused on finding her own path. In the film’s poignant turning point, Lucy loses her virginity to an unexpected suitor in a serene and symbolic moment set amidst the idyllic Tuscan fields.
Reception
Upon its release, Stealing Beauty polarized critics. Its lush visuals and evocative atmosphere drew widespread praise, with cinematographer Darius Khondji credited for his masterful work in capturing the radiant Tuscan landscape. The film’s tone, blending sensuality and introspection, also earned comparisons to Bertolucci’s earlier works.
Critics applauded Liv Tyler’s performance, with many noting her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times lauded her as “a luminous presence,” praising her portrayal of Lucy’s awakening as “quietly powerful.” However, some reviewers found the film’s pacing uneven and its script lacking depth. For example, The New York Times noted that while the film was visually stunning, it occasionally succumbed to clichés in its portrayal of Lucy’s coming-of-age journey.
Audiences responded warmly to the film’s romantic and artistic sensibilities, with particular acclaim for its evocative soundtrack. Featuring artists such as Mazzy Star, Portishead, and Marvin Gaye, the music further deepened the film’s atmosphere, making it a touchstone for 1990s cinema.
Legacy
Despite its mixed reviews at the time, Stealing Beauty has since gained a cult following, celebrated for its unique blend of sensuality, aesthetic beauty, and emotional resonance. It is often regarded as one of Bertolucci’s more accessible works, offering a poignant exploration of youth, memory, and the search for identity.
Stealing Beauty premiered in Italy in March 1996 and was featured in the Official Selection at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival, where its sumptuous visuals and daring themes drew significant attention. The film was released in the United States on June 14, 1996, where it further established Liv Tyler as a promising star of her generation.
