The Leopard is one of those pictures where words like “Epic” and “Masterpiece” are used but when one sits down to see it, the viewer wonders what the big deal was about. The Italian cut is close to director Luchino Visconti's preferred version but is dubbed which in my view, is the worst thing one can do to any film. (Yes, I know that’s how they made it!) The American cut is shorter (and dubbed) but also takes away some of the movie’s style and grace. Outside of Burt Lancaster who is excellent as Prince Salina, everyone else looks a little lost. The movie also contains an ambitious “war” sequence, although important to the story, only serves to fill the screen with screaming and falling extras making the actions seem silly and conflicts with the content and tone of what is to come. The Leopard ends with a significant 55-minute party sequence where many of the movie's themes are revealed (i.e. the ever-evolving class struggle, perceived values and etiquette vs. contempt towards the establishment, etc.). Both versions of the film are available through The Criterion Collection and Netflix.
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