Seven Beauties: The Movies by Lina Wertmüller
The retrospective Seven Beauties, dedicated to acclaimed Italian filmmaker Lina Wertmüller and organized by the Italian Cultural Institute in collaboration with the Randwick Ritz Cinema and Cinema Reborn, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, continues with the screening of the movie Swept Away (Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto) (1974)
Irreverent, rule-breaking and impossible to define, Italian filmmaker Lina Wertmüller broke ground as the first woman to be nominated for an Oscar as Best Director in 1977. An unabashed feminist and non-conformist, her films take the absurdities of society and turn them on their heads – the results being sometimes witty, sometimes shocking, always political. The series celebrates her work with seven of her best films.
The movie will be introduced by Associate Professor Francesco Borghesi from the Department of Italian Studies of the University of Sydney. His researches are mainly concerned with the development of philosophical ideas in European history, especially between the 13th and the 16th century.
Swept Away (Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto) (1974)
Cast: Mariangela Melato, Giancarlo Giannini, Riccardo Salvino, Isa Danieli
Class warfare hits the high seas in this Italian comedy about Gennarino (Giancarlo Giannini), a long-suffering crew member who works on a rich couple’s yacht. The wife, Raffaella (Mariangela Melato), verbally abuses Gennarino and regularly insults his communist views. But when a day trip leaves the pair stranded at sea, they wash up on a deserted island and Raffaella is, suddenly, no longer the one in control. The role reversal leads to an unexpected and contentious love affair.
Information and bookings: www.ritzcinemas.com.au and 02 8324 2500