incest is no longer a sin!|Dec. 01, 1984|Italy|91 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Romance
Description: **The Dark Side of Love: A Tale of Forbidden Desires (1984)**
The film explores the complex and disturbing relationship between a successful woman and her introverted, hypochondriacal brother, who harbors an obsessive interest in pornography. Patrizia conceals a dark secret—Emilio, her brother, is secretly in love with her. Initially, she toys with his emotions by sharing stories of her romantic encounters with other men, but fate has other plans for these doomed, incestuous lovers.
Set in a dusty Venetian apartment, the siblings are left alone after their parents’ death, forced to confront their growing, unsettling bond. Emilio, portrayed as sickly, spends his days immersed in pornographic content, while Patrizia mingles with the local fashion elite. The film’s visual style is stark, with dimly lit scenes and sparse settings, creating an atmosphere of isolation and tension.
Emilio’s fixation on his ailments mirrors the themes of the medical fetish pornography he consumes. His philosophy teacher, recognizing Emilio’s troubled nature, admits there’s little hope for his redemption. Meanwhile, Patrizia reveals her wish for an older brother rather than a younger one, as the latter forces her into a role she resents—that of a teacher. She expresses this through the way she presents herself, using her body and experiences to assert control.
The film delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, painting a bleak picture of forbidden love and societal taboos. It’s a haunting exploration of identity, desire, and the consequences of blurred boundaries.
Cast director: Salvatore Samperi
Cast actor: Monica Guerritore, Lorenzo Lena, Saverio Vallone, Gilla Novak, Gianfranco Manfredi, Svevo Samperi, Raffaele Fornaro, Emanuele Fornaro, Andrea Trevisan, Matteo Briga
Original name: Fotografando Patrizia