Film Review: “The Desert of the Tartars” (FRA/ITA/GER 1976) – A Reunion After 35 Years

Content:  In this podcast, we talk about “The Desert of the Tartars”, directed by Valerio Zurlini. We describe our accidental discovery and lasting impact of the 1976 film. We highlight the central themes of the film, such as futility, camaraderie and the search for the meaning of life. We describe our years of involvement with the film and how we rediscovered the title decades later.  We reflect on the re-watching after a long time and emphasize the multi-layered, philosophical character of the film, whose ending remains unforgettable.  Plot:  The film is set in the early 20th century and follows Lieutenant Giovanni Drogo. He is transferred to a remote fortress at the border, where he and the other soldiers spend years in monotony and isolation, waiting for an attack that never comes. One day, mysterious lights appear on the horizon.