The Key 1983
"TOO HOT for Italian cinemas! Judges close down all theatres screening "THE KEY"!"
Set against the atmospheric canals of 1940s Venice, Tinto Brass's *The Key (1983)* explores the delicate balance between love and desire as a long-married couple grapples with fading passion.
Director: Tinto Brass
Cast
Stefania Sandrelli
Teresa Rolfe
Frank Finlay
Nino Rolfe
Franco Branciaroli
Laszlo Apony
Barbara Cupisti
Lisa Rolfe
Armando Marra
Maria Grazia Bon
Giulietta
Gino Cavalieri
Don Rusetto
Piero Bortoluzzi
Memo Longobardi
Irma Veithen
The Nurse
Eolo Capritti
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Key (1983) about?
The film follows a retired art critic and his younger wife in 1940s Venice, whose long marriage has lost its spark. To reignite their passion, the husband records his sexual fantasies in a diary, leading to unexpected revelations about their relationship and desires.
Who directed The Key?
The Key was directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker Tinto Brass, celebrated for his bold and stylish explorations of eroticism and human relationships.
Who stars in The Key?
The film stars Stefania Sandrelli as Teresa, Frank Finlay as Nino Rolfe, and Franco Branciaroli in a supporting role, among other talented actors.
Is The Key (1983) worth watching?
With its provocative themes and Brass's signature sensual style, *The Key* is a film that appeals to fans of erotic drama and character-driven storytelling. While not for every viewer, its emotional depth and visual artistry make it a memorable exploration of love and desire.
How long is The Key?
The Key runs for 110 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Key (1983) — Venice's Most Provocative Romance Revisited
Set against the atmospheric canals of 1940s Venice, Tinto Brass's *The Key (1983)* explores the delicate balance between love and desire as a long-married couple grapples with fading passion. Retired art critic Nino Rolfe and his youthful wife Teresa find themselves caught in a quiet crisis, their once-vibrant marriage now struggling to rekindle the embers of intimacy. To break through their inhibitions and rediscover their connection, Nino turns to an unconventional method: documenting his most intimate fantasies in a personal diary. As Teresa navigates her own awakening, their journey becomes a provocative meditation on trust, eroticism, and the complexities of commitment.
Brass, known for his bold visual style and unflinching exploration of human desire, crafts a film that's as visually lush as it is thematically daring. With a narrative that blends sensuality with emotional depth, *The Key* isn't just a romance—it's a raw, sensual portrait of a relationship tested by time and temptation.
