Pier Paolo Pasolini (Italian: [ˌpjɛr ˈpaːolo pazoˈliːni]; 5 March 1922 – 2 November 1975) was an Italian film director, poet, writer, and intellectual. He also distinguished himself as an actor, journalist, novelist, playwright, and political figure. A controversial personality in Italy due to his direct style and the focus of some of his works on taboo sexual matters, his legacy remains contentious. He was an established major figure in European literature and cinematic arts. Pasolini's unsolved murder in November 1975 prompted an outcry in Italy and its circumstances continue to be a matter of heated debate.