Bernardo Bertolucci (1941-2018) was an influential Italian film director, screenwriter, and producer. Known for complex works exploring politics, history, the human psyche, and sexuality, he skillfully blended epic narrative with profound introspection.

He gained international recognition with films such as *The Conformist* (1970), a masterful analysis of fascism and individual repression, and *Last Tango in Paris* (1972), controversial for its explicit sensuality and its portrayal of a tormented relationship. His epic ambition was manifested in *1900* (1976), a historical fresco of 20th-century Italy.

The pinnacle of his career was *The Last Emperor* (1987), which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, distinguished by its visual grandeur. His style is characterized by sumptuous cinematography, compelling narratives, and a profound psychological exploration of characters. Later works include *The Sheltering Sky* (1990) and *The Dreamers* (2003), which revisited themes of youth and revolution.