Ylenia Tarenzi Colombotti
Italian cinema has lost one of its most controversial and recognizable auteurs. Tinto Brass died in Rome this morning around 10:30. He was 93. His wife, Caterina Varzi, and his children, Bonifacio and Beatrice , announced the news to ANSA.
The funerals
For now, the family has announced that the funeral ceremony will be held in a strictly private manner.
The cause of death has not been released.
Who was Tinto Brass?
Born in Milan on March 26, 1933, Giovanni Brass was always known by the nickname Tinto, short for "Tintoretto," given to him by his grandfather, the painter Italico Brass. His relationship with images and beauty was a common thread throughout his career.
After his debut in the 1960s, with experimental and avant-garde films such as Chi lavora è perduto and Col cuore in gola , Brass established himself with controversial titles such as Salon Kitty and Caligola . Then came the era that made him famous among the general public, that of erotic cinema, with films such as La chiave , Paprika , Così fan tutte , L'uomo che guarda , Monella and Trasgredire.
For decades he was considered the "master" of the Italian erotic genre, amidst applause, censorship, and controversy, always claiming a free and provocative perspective on desire.
A return to the Lido in 2026
His work was back in the spotlight this year too. At the Venice Film Festival, a restored version of Col cuore in gola , the 1967 film chosen as the pre-opening screening, was shown again, acknowledging the work of the young, experimental Brass.
Health and the last years
The director had been struggling with health problems for years. In 2010, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that sidelined him from public life, and in 2019, he was rushed to a hospital in Rome. He remained at his wife, Caterina Varzi, a screenwriter and longtime collaborator, throughout his life.