Giuseppe Bertolucci (February 27, 1947 – June 16, 2012) was an Italian film director and screenwriter. Born in Parma, he was the son of poet Attilio Bertolucci and the younger brother of renowned director Bernardo Bertolucci. Giuseppe Bertolucci began his career in cinema as an assistant to his brother on the film “Strategia del ragno” (The Spider’s Stratagem) in 1970. He made his directorial debut in 1971 with the documentary short “I poveri muoiono prima” (The Poor Die First), followed by the TV film “Andare e venire” (Coming and Going) in 1972. In 1975, along with his brother Bernardo and Franco Arcalli, he wrote the screenplay for “Novecento” (1900). That same year, he wrote the theatrical monologue “Cioni Mario di Gaspare fu Giulia” for Roberto Benigni, which was later adapted into the 1977 film “Berlinguer ti voglio bene” (Berlinguer, I Love You).
Collaborations and Notable Works
Throughout his career, Bertolucci collaborated on several screenplays, including Bernardo Bertolucci’s “La Luna,” Roberto Benigni’s “Tu mi turbi” (You Upset Me), and “Non ci resta che piangere” (Nothing Left to Do But Cry) by Benigni and Massimo Troisi. In 1980, he was commissioned by the Italian Communist Party, of which he was a sympathizer, to produce the documentary “Panni sporchi” (Dirty Laundry). In 1984, he directed “Segreti segreti” (Secret Secrets), featuring an ensemble female cast. Other notable films include “I cammelli” (The Camels) in 1988, “Troppo sole” (Too Much Sun) in 1994, “Il dolce rumore della vita” (The Sweet Sound of Life) in 1999, and “L’amore probabilmente” (Love, Probably) in 2001. For many years, he also served as the president of the Cineteca di Bologna.
Later Years and Death
Bertolucci had a particular affinity for the Puglia region of Italy and eventually bought a house in the historic center of Diso, in Salento, where he settled. He became ill in 2010 and due to respiratory issues, was admitted to a nearby hospital in Tricase, Lecce, where he passed away on June 16, 2012, at the age of 65. A wake was held for him at the ex-Convent of the Capuchins in Diso, arranged by the local government. The service was attended by his brother, Bernardo Bertolucci, and his close friend Roberto Benigni.
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