The Canterbury Tales is a 1972 film adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer's collection of stories, which were written in the 14th century. The film is directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, who also wrote the screenplay.
The movie begins with Chaucer (played by Franco Citti) describing the framework of The Canterbury Tales to a group of people sitting around a fire. He tells them that the book features a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury, and each of them shares a story along the way.
As the travelers set out on their journey, the film focuses on several of these stories, including "The Miller's Tale," "The Wife of Bath's Tale," and "The Pardoner's Tale." Each story is brought to life through a re-enactment, with Pasolini using an array of cinematic techniques to create a deeply immersive experience.
In between the stories, the film returns to Chaucer and his fellow travelers, who are depicted engaging in lively conversation and occasional bawdy behavior. Their interactions provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval social customs and attitudes.
Overall, The Canterbury Tales is a colorful and sensual film that captures the spirit of Chaucer's original work. It's a must-see for fans of medieval literature and Pasolini's bold and imaginative filmmaking.