The Night Porter is a 1974 drama film directed by Liliana Cavani. The film stars Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling in the lead roles. The story is set in post-World War II Vienna where Maximilian (Bogarde), a former SS officer, is working as a night porter at a hotel. Lucia (Rampling), a concentration camp survivor, checks into the hotel and recognizes Maximilian as her former torturer and lover from the camp. Despite the trauma and abuse suffered in the past, Lucia finds herself drawn to Maximilian and they begin a sadomasochistic relationship.
As their intense relationship continues, a group of Maximilian's former SS comrades begin to stalk the couple, creating a sense of danger and tension. The film shows flashbacks to their time in the concentration camp and depicts the aftermath of war and its impact on society.
The Night Porter was controversial upon its release due to its explicit sexual content and depiction of BDSM, as well as its portrayal of a complex and taboo relationship. However, the film has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of arthouse cinema.
