The Butterfly's Dream (1994)
This European existential drama utilizes complex symbols inspired by abstract psychological theories to explore the effects and reasons behind a young classical actor's decision to stop talking. No one knows why Massimo has vowed to stop talking. Other than speaking dialog from classical plays, Massimo refuses to say a single word. His father, a classic-literature professor believes it reflects to a disappointing love affair. His new girlfriend thinks Massimo is rebelling against his mother, a poet. A director learns of Massimo and commissions his mother to write a play about him. Though Massimo plays himself in the play, and does speak, he returns to silence when the play is finished.
Director:
Marco Bellocchio
Writer:
Massimo Fagioli
![]() |
Thierry Blanc as Massimo |
![]() |
Simona Cavallari as La ragazzina |
![]() |
Nathalie Boutefeu as Anna |
![]() |
Roberto Herlitzka as Il padre |
![]() |
Henry Arnold as Carlo |
![]() |
Anita Laurenzi as La prima vecchia |
![]() |
Antonio Pennarella as Lo zingaro |
![]() |
Michael Seyfried as Ilregista |
![]() |
Aleka Paizi as La pastora (as Aleka Paisi) |
![]() |
Sergio Graziani as L'ortolano |
![]() |
Carla Cassola as La seconda vecchia |
![]() |
Giusy Frallonardo as Attrice |
![]() |
Consuelo Ciatti as Attrice che impersona Natalia |
![]() |
Patrizia Punzo as Attrice nella parte dell'elettrice |
![]() |
Viviana Natale as L'autostoppista |
![]() |
Ketty Fusco as La terza vecchia |
![]() |
Michel Adatte as |
![]() |
Bibi Andersson as La madre |
| Directing | Marco Bellocchio | Director |
| Writing | Massimo Fagioli | Screenplay |
| Production | Marco Bellocchio | Producer |
| Sound | Carlo Crivelli | Music |
| Camera | Giorgos Arvanitis | Director of Photography |
| Editing | Francesca Calvelli | Editor |