Theorem (1968): Cast & Plot
Theorem is a 1968 mystery drama directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, starring Terence Stamp as The Visitor, Susanna Pasolini and Massimo Girotti. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Original language
-
Italian - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Theorem About?
The premise of Theorem without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Only 923 spoken words carry a haunting drama. A prosperous Italian family is disrupted by the arrival of a charismatic stranger who inexplicably seduces each member—father, mother, son, daughter—before vanishing. The encounters trigger profound awakenings, yet the family cannot discern his identity or purpose.
Theorem Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- sexuality
- bourgeoisie
- mysterious stranger
- gay
- homosexuality
- allegory
- parable
- upper class
- surrealism
- male frontal nudity
- male rear nudity
- male nudity
+38 more Show fewer
- family relationships
- milan italy
- reference to francis bacon
- gay painter
- gay interest
- gay desire
- visitor
- undressing in public
- train station
- levitation
- urinating on a painting
- clenched fist
- volcanic landscape
- camera
- photo album
- reference to leo tolstoy
- reference to rimbaud
- sepia tinted scene
- one word title
- mysticism
- liberation
- factory worker
- mental breakdown
- country estate
- loss of virginity
- industrialist
- supernatural power
- homosexual
- eros
- catharsis
- seduction
- stranger
- politics
- painter
- factory
- class conflict
- religion
- bisexual
Theorem Cast & Characters
Terence Stamp leads the cast as The Visitor, with Susanna Pasolini as Old Peasant (uncredited) and Massimo Girotti as Paolo, the Father. Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini; 14 actors are credited in all.
- Director Pier Paolo Pasolini
-
Terence Stamp as The Visitor - Susanna Pasolini as Old Peasant (uncredited)
-
Massimo Girotti as Paolo, the Father -
Anne Wiazemsky as Odetta, the Daughter
Also Starring in Theorem
· 10 more- Giovanni Ivan Scratuglia Lucia's second lover
- Ninetto Davoli Angelino, the Messenger
- Laura Betti Emilia, the Servant
- Silvana Mangano Lucia, the Mother
- Carlo De Mejo Lucia's first lover
- Luigi Barbini Boy at the station
- Adele Cambria Emilia, the Second Servant
- Alfonso Gatto Doctor
- Andrés José Cruz Soublette Pietro, the Son
- Cesare Garboli Interviewer (uncredited)
More from Pier Paolo Pasolini
More films directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini: Arabian Nights, December 12th, Medea and Pigsty.
Theorem Plot Summary
What happens in Theorem from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In Milan’s bourgeois landscape, a mysterious figure known as The Visitor appears at the gates of a refined family’s estate, announced by a flustered postman who seems to know something about the stranger’s unsettling arrival. This outsider unsettles the rhythms of the household, moving through its rooms with a calm insistence that unsettles the air and opens doors to places that had long been kept private. The interloper’s presence is at once generous and invasive, a paradox that sets the stage for a study of longing, fear, and the fragile boundaries of propriety.
Full summary
The whole story of Theorem, scene by scene
Theorem Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Theorem.
How Well Do You Know Theorem?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the role of the mysterious figure who arrives at the family estate?
Cars in Theorem
26 cars on screen, including the 1966 Innocenti Mini Minor MkI and the 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE W108.
-
1966 Innocenti Mini Minor MkI Main role -
1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE W108 Main role -
1957 Alfa Romeo Romeo 2 Minor role -
1961 Fiat 1300 Minor role
Theorem Also Known As
14 alternative titles, including “Théorème” and “Skandalen i Milano”.
- Also known as
-
- Théorème
- Skandalen i Milano
- Theorima
- To theorima
- Teoréma
- Teoremat
- 테오레마
- Teorēma
- Teorema - Geometrie der Liebe
- Teorem
- Θεώρημα
- Теорема
+2 more Show fewer
- 定理, თეორემა
- テオレマ
Seen Theorem?
Movies Like Theorem
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Burnt Orange Heresy, Passages and The Truth.
Theorem FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Theorem, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Theorem?
Theorem runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was Theorem released?
Theorem was released on September 5, 1968.
Who directed Theorem?
Theorem was directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
More films by Pier Paolo Pasolini Who is in the cast of Theorem?
Theorem stars Terence Stamp as The Visitor, Susanna Pasolini as Old Peasant (uncredited) and Massimo Girotti as Paolo, the Father, among 14 credited actors.
Does Theorem have a post-credit scene?
No. Theorem has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Theorem in?
The original language of Theorem is Italian.
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