text: The Desert of the Tartars
  
  The Desert of the Tartars () is a 1976 Italian film by director Valerio Zurlini with an international cast, including Jacques Perrin, Vittorio Gassman, Max von Sydow, Francisco Rabal, Helmut Griem, Giuliano Gemma, Philippe Noiret, Fernando Rey, and Jean-Louis Trintignant. The cast also included Iranian film veteran actor Mohammad-Ali Keshavarz.
  
  It is based on the Dino Buzzati's novel The Tartar Steppe. The film omits certain parts of the novel, especially those relating to the lives of Drogo's friends in his home town.
  
  It was filmed in Arg-e Bam, Iran, and was released on 29 October 1976 in Italy. It was shown as part of the Cannes Classics section of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.
  
  The film's visual style was influenced by the work of Italian painter Giorgio de Chirico.
  
  Plot
  The film tells the story of a young officer, Giovanni Drogo (Jacques Perrin), and the time that he spent guarding the Bastiani Fortress, an old, unmaintained border fortress. It is noted for its scenery, the lighting and cinematography, and the psychological questions it raises.
  
  Cast
   Jacques Perrin: Sten. Giovanni Drogo
   Vittorio Gassman: Count Giovanbattista Filimore
   Giuliano Gemma: Magg. Matis
   Helmut Griem: Lt. Simeon
   Philippe Noiret:  General
   Fernando Rey: Lt. Col. Nathanson
   Laurent Terzieff: Lt. Pietro Von Hamerling
   Jean-Louis Trintignant: Magg. Med. Rovine
   Max von Sydow: Cpt. Ortiz
   Giuseppe Pambieri: Lt. Rathenau
   Francisco Rabal: M.llo Tronk
   Lilla Brignone: mother of Drogo
   Bryan Rostron: Von Armin
  
  Awards
  
  Won
   David di Donatello Awards 1977:
  David Award - Best Director: Valerio Zurlini
  Dacid Award - Best Film
  Special David Award - Best Actor: Giuliano Gemma
  Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists 1977:
  Silver Ribbon Award - Best Director: Valerio Zurlini
  
  Nominated
  Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists 1977:
  Silver Ribbon Award - Best Supporting Actor: Giuliano Gemma
  
  References
  
  External links
  
   Notes on Cinematograph
  Federica Capoferri (1998). I Tartari alle spalle. Dal romanzo di Dino Buzzati al film di Valerio Zurlini. Italica 75 (2), 226-241.
  
  Category:1976 films
  Category:1970s drama films
  Category:Italian films
  Category:Italian war drama films
  Category:Italian-language films
  Category:Films based on Italian novels
  Category:Films based on works by Dino Buzzati
  Category:Films set in the 19th century
  Category:Films shot in Iran
  Category:Films directed by Valerio Zurlini
  Category:Films scored by Ennio Morricone
  Category:Films set in deserts
  Category:Films set in fortresses