Lina Wertmuller Italian film director, screenwriter and playwright. Date of Birth: 14.08.1926 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Education
2. Assistant Director and Collaboration with Fellini
3. Debut as a Film Director
4. Return to Theater and Marriage
5. International Recognition
6. Hollywood and Later Career
7. Other Artistic Endeavors

Early Life and Education

Born on August 14, 1926, in Rome, Italy to an aristocratic Swiss family, Lina Wertmüller's full name was Arcangela Felice Assunta Wertmüller von Elgg Espanol von Brauchich. In 1951, she graduated from Rome's Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica under the tutelage of Pietro Sharoff.

Assistant Director and Collaboration with Fellini

Wertmüller worked as an assistant director in both musical and dramatic theaters. A significant turning point came when she met Federico Fellini, who mentored her and allowed her to assist on his films "La Dolce Vita" and "8½."

Debut as a Film Director

In 1963, Wertmüller directed her first feature film, "The Lizards." Following its release, she met actor Giancarlo Giannini, who became a frequent collaborator in her most acclaimed works. Wertmüller then directed "Let's Talk About Men," "Rita the Mosquito," and "Belle Starr" (under the pseudonym George Brown).

Return to Theater and Marriage

Wertmüller briefly returned to theater before marrying Enrico Job, who became the set designer for her films. Her 1972 comedy "Mimì the Metalworker, Wounded in His Honor" earned a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival.

International Recognition

In the 1970s, Wertmüller released a series of politically charged comedies that brought her international recognition, including "Love and Anarchy," "All Screwed Up," and "Swept Away." She broke new ground in 1975 by becoming the first woman nominated for Best Director at the Oscars for "Swept Away."

Hollywood and Later Career

In 1978, Wertmüller directed the Hollywood film "A Night Full of Rain," which proved commercially unsuccessful. Her subsequent films focused on erotic themes and failed to match the critical and popular success of her earlier works.

Other Artistic Endeavors

Wertmüller continued her career as a theatrical playwright and co-writer of scripts for other directors. She also directed an acclaimed production of Bizet's opera "Carmen" at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples.