Inspiration is the secret

Despite’s its lukewarm reception at the time of release, Death in Venice turned 15 year-old Swedish actor Björn Andrésen into an international icon of forbidden lust. Cast by Italian director Luchino Visconti as the film’s embodiment of beauty and temptation, the image took Andrésen hostage from then on, creating a cult following that consumed him before spitting him back out. (via)