Swept Away, 1974
Melato and Giannini on the island.
Plot Summary:
On a tropical cruise, the wealthy Rafaella humiliates the
deckhand Gennarino. The situation changes when the
two fnd themselves marooned on a desert island and
Rafaella needs Gennarino for survival. Gennarino
forces Rafaella to grovel, she falls worshipfully in love
with him and remains so until they return to
civilization and the old order is reestablished.
- Adapting the structural and thematic elements of J.M. Barrie's
The Admirable Crichton, Wertmuller capitalizes on the post-modern Italian audience's interest in sexual hostility, class distinction, and gender politics. In this film, it is difficult to tell who Wertmuller hates more, men or women. Women are seen as non-persons, as types: witch, bitch, devouring wife. Men are arrogant, chauvenistic, and oppresive.
Giannini and Melato on castaway inflatable dinghy.
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