He is considered one of the greatest European cinematic provocateurs of his time[1] and had a constant presence in prestigious festival circuit - including eight films in competition in Cannes Film Festival[2] and a Golden Bear win[3] in 1991 Berlin Film Festival.

His best known film is La Grande Bouffe from 1973, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Michel Piccoli, Philippe Noiret and Ugo Tognazzi.

Upon his death, Gilles Jacob, artistic director of the Cannes International Film Festival, said: "The Italian cinema has lost one of its most original artists, one of its most personal authors (...) No one was more demanding nor more allegorical than he in showing the state of crisis of contemporary man.

"[1] His 1979 film Chiedo asilo won him the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize at the 30th Berlin International Film Festival.

[6] In 1991, his film La casa del sorriso won the Golden Bear at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival.