Reflections of a City. Death in Venice

Abstract

Death in Venice is a film that masterfully captured the literary images glimpsed in Thomas Mann’s novel that gave it its title. The film has never been strictly studied in its relations with the city that serves as its stage; this paper aims to highlight the intimate link between the ideas that underlie its visual structure and the urban image of Venice itself. It is argued that through literal reference, and above all through the symbolic use of images, Visconti’s film reflects the essences of the city of canals.