Tinto Brass, a free spirit of Italian cinema, dies at 93

ROME-- Tinto Brass, the director known for his provocative films has died at the age of 93 his family announced.

  His wife, Caterina Varzi and his children Beatrice and Bonifacio Brass informed the Italian news agency ANSA that he passed in Rome on Wednesday.

  Born Giovanni Brass in Milan in 1933 Tinto Brass studied law before he turned to cinema. His early years in cinema included work as an assistant to Roberto Rossellini and Joris Ivens.

  His debut, “Chi lavora è perduto” (1963), introduced the irreverent style that would define much of his work. His battles with censorship began with that first film and continued throughout his career.

  “La chiave” (“The Key”. 1983), starring Stefania Sandrelli, brought him major popular success, followed by films including “Miranda” and “Paprika” His films became known for their voyeuristic humor, elaborate compositions and unapologetic treatment of sexuality.

  In September, the Venice Film Festival honored his earlier work by choosing a restored version of his thriller “Col cuore in gola” (“Deadly Sweet”, 1967) for its pre-opening evening. Too unwell to attend, his wife accepted the Pietro Bianchi prize on his behalf.

  Brass sent a message describing the screening as a homecoming. He insisted that the political engagement of his early work and the eroticism of his later films belonged to the same pursuit of freedom.

  The Venice Biennale remembered him as a creator of “visionary and radically free” films.

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