The tumultuous life of a troubled teen is examined in this controversial film from Bernardo Bertolucci. Joe, the boy in question, has been spoiled and is in dire need of a strong father figure. His stepfather Douglas, who believes that he sired the boy with his wife Caterina, an opera singer, is simply unable to deal with him. Joe continues to get in trouble. After he watches his despondent "father" commit suicide, the boy and his mother move to Italy where she tries to make a comeback. The boy soon finds himself involved with a bad crowd and becomes a heroin addict. His poor frazzled mother almost has a breakdown when she and her son almost become lovers. Before the end of the film, Joe finally gets to meet his real father, Giuseppi, who has been hiding in Italy and teaching children. It is he who saves the boy from descending further into a life of darkness and degradation.
