Fellini’s Casanova

Fellini’s Casanova

Year: 1976

Runtime: 154 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Federico Fellini

DramaHumanity and the world around usPowerful poetic and passionate dramaSurreal and thought-provoking visions of life and deathDreamlike quirky and surreal storytelling

After four years of preparation and production, the film follows Casanova, a notorious libertine famed for his endless seductions and sexual conquests. Yet beneath his reputation he seeks a deeper connection, questioning his own identity, purpose and whether he is truly alive.

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Timeline & Setting – Fellini’s Casanova (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Fellini’s Casanova (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

18th Century

The events take place during the 18th century, a period marked by Enlightenment ideas, courtly excess, and a focus on arts and sciences. This era was characterized by social stratification, political intrigue, and a fascination with alchemy, which features prominently in the movie.

Location

Venice, Paris, Forlì, London, Bern, Dresden, Württemberg, Dux

The movie traverses multiple European locations, highlighting Venice as a romantic and decadent hub, Paris as a court of intrigue, and other cities that serve as backdrops for Casanova's adventures. Each place reflects different facets of 18th-century European society, from aristocratic courts to lively cities filled with social decadence.

🌉 Canal city 🏰 Historic 🎨 Artistic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Main Characters – Fellini’s Casanova (1976)

Meet the key characters of Fellini’s Casanova (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Giacomo Casanova (played by Donald Sutherland)

A charismatic and adventurous libertine, Casanova seeks love, knowledge, and recognition. His wit and charm mask underlying existential longing, as he navigates societal decadence and personal ambitions. He is both a seeker of pleasure and a reflective observer of his own life.

🤵 Libertine 🎭 Charismatic 🧠 Intellectual

Madame d'Urfé (played by Diane Kurys)

An aged noblewoman who is captivated by Casanova’s alchemy knowledge, she embodies the theme of transformation and mysticism. Her obsession with ritualistic transmutation reflects her desire to transcend mortality and attain spiritual enlightenment.

🔮 Mystical 💫 Obsessed 👵 Wise

Henriette (played by Tina Aumont)

A beautiful young woman involved with Casanova, her disappearance signifies the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. She represents Casanova's constant pursuit of ephemeral pleasures and the emotional consequences of his escapades.

💃 Youthful 💕 Desirable 🎭 Romantic

Du Bois (played by Daniel Emilfork)

A courtier with a hunchback, Du Bois symbolizes societal constraints and the desire for acceptance. His relationship with Casanova highlights the diversity of social and physical appearances during the period.

🏰 Courtier 🧍‍♂️ Outcast 🤝 Complex

Isabella (played by Olimpia Carlisi)

An alchemist’s daughter who captures Casanova’s romantic interest, her failure to keep her appointment emphasizes themes of longing and missed opportunities. Her character blends scientific curiosity with personal mystery.

👩‍🔬 Curious 🎨 Artistic 💔 Unfulfilled

Rosalba (Mechanical doll)

A mechanical doll representing Casanova’s idealized and unattainable love, she embodies themes of artificiality versus reality. Their dance and eventual intimacy highlight the movie’s exploration of human connection and illusion.

🤖 Mechanical 🎭 Illusion 💔 Longing

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Major Themes – Fellini’s Casanova (1976)

Explore the central themes of Fellini’s Casanova (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧪 Alchemy

The film explores alchemy as a symbol of transformation and forbidden knowledge. Casanova’s fascination with alchemy underscores his desire for personal and spiritual metamorphosis, reflecting the era’s interest in science, mysticism, and the search for ultimate truths.

❤️ Desire

A central theme of the movie is the pursuit of pleasure and romantic escapades. Casanova’s numerous affairs and flirtations illustrate the decadence of the period’s social life, as well as the personal struggle between passion and societal constraints.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

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Fellini’s Casanova Summary

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Fellini’s Casanova Summary

Fellini’s Casanova Timeline

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Fellini’s Casanova Timeline

Fellini’s Casanova Spoiler-Free Summary

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Fellini’s Casanova Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Fellini’s Casanova

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fellini’s Casanova: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Fellini’s Casanova (1976) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Fellini’s Casanova (1976) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Fellini’s Casanova (1976) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow