----------------------------Original message---------------------------- As a fan of Jean-Louis Trintignant, largely as a result of my enthusiasm for "My Night at Maud's," I just rented and viewed for the first time "The Conformist" (1970; Bernardo Bertolucci), in which he plays an Italian whose cowardice and lack of commitment are gradually revealed in what I take to be the basic point of the plot. I was impressed by the style of the film, as anyone would be, but perplexed by the plot and characterization, which perhaps is not an unusual state to be left in after viewing one of Bertolucci's films. Could someone who knows the film well comment on these matters? Is the Dominique Sanda character in fact supposed to have been the prostitute he once kissed but did not make love to? Are we to assume that she is not particularly committd to her husband (the professor) but just taking advantage of the good life in Paris? If she is to be sacrificed to the Fascist's cowardice, I would think we would be expected to be sympathetic to her, but this notion that she might be little more than a gold-digger works against that. Thanks to any who might offer their opinions. Any fans of Rohmer out there? Dan Gribbin [log in to unmask] Ferrum College Ferrum, VA