Swept Away Essays - Italian Films, , Term Papers

Swept Away Swept Away The division of people, due to social class and political belief, is clearly a main theme in Lina Wertmullers film Swept Away. The film portrayed class and gender conflict brutally, honestly, and graphically, but not without validity. The fact that a woman directed it just adds another level of realism as well as a different perspective. The division between Raphaella, the northern capitalist for whom the system has paid off, and Gennarino, the dedicated, southern Communist, is apparent from the beginning. Though the film is centered on these two individuals, its emphasis lies in what these individuals represent. Simply put, Rafaella represents the upper class; rich, educated, and powerful within her society. Gennarino is a representation of the working class; poor, uneducated, powerless in a society ruled by wealth. The shift in the balance of power is where these representations come into play. Though the characters are symbols of social and political stereotypes, it is the situations in the film that really illustrate the films depiction of their division. Early in the film we are introduced to the society in which Raphaella and Gennarino live. A society in which, because of wealth and education, Raphaella wields more power than her counterpart. She is snobbish, inconsiderate, bossy, and a great deal more empowered than an average working class woman is. In turn, Gennarino is constantly ordered around, belittled and criticized, enforcing his disgust for his counter culture. The turn of events caused by the shipwreck finally reverses these roles. Gennarino gains power, not through wealth but survival skills. This forces Raphaella to give up her pride in order to stay alive. Much like the poor, Raphaella has to submit in order to survive. Gennarino sees this as an opportunity to take revenge on the upper class that has been controlling his life up to this point and he takes full advantage. In the beginning he withholds food and shelter until she concedes defeat, but with the realization of absolute power he decides to keep taking it further. In retribution for the abuse he has suffered he punishes Raphaella for the evil deeds of the upper class. He orders her around and belittles her just as she did when the tables were turned, but he can only abuse her verbally for so long. His lack of education and upbringing leave him with few options, first and foremost violence but also a level of emotional abuse. The physical abuse forced Raphaella into submission a nd broke her spirit. The emotional abuse resulted in Raphaellas falling in love with Gennarino, perhaps due to force or perhaps due to her need for a dominant partner. This relationship continued mutually on the island for some time, even possible rescues were avoided. In that basic, fantasy-like setting, surrounded by nature and removed from capitalism and labels, they coexisted peacefully. They lived together as man and wife far away from the society that kept them at separate levels until Gennarino decides to put their love to the test; to return to their old society. It is back in their former world that we find out who truly fell in love, not Raphaella but Gennarino. She reverted back to her old ways and values upon her return to her old life; maybe a woman like her could never really change. In her society she is in love with power, with wealthsurvival in its own right. By removing the individual from its representation the film takes on a new and different light. It portrays a class struggle, a battle for power and respect, and a clash between old traditions and the ways of a changing world. For me, the last scene captured the point of the film perfectly. As Gennarinos wife walks ahead of him, angry with him for having an affair, he obediently follows and carries her suitcase. This represents his return to his society as well as his return to his role in it. This time, however, the tables have turned, Gennarinos wife assumes the power now and Gennarino is the one in submission. Film and Cinema

Free Essays on Why Eastern Culture Religions May Be Appealing To The Western Culture

Since the beginning of â€Å"time† man has questioned their existence and what has caused their creation. Through my readings I have read numerous theories, ideas, and beliefs. Some drastically contrast, and others simply elaborate on previous hypotheses. These projected explanations of our existence, can cause great confusion and uncertainty. This confusion, I have found through my readings, is predominantly found in the Western philosophies. We either question or find reasons to believe in the very existence of a divine creator or even existence of our own being as well. This uncertainty within the Western culture is what led me to choose this question. After reading about the Eastern religious traditions I was very attracted to the fact that the idea of God is never questioned as greatly opposed as it is in the Western culture. This in itself is where I think a violent and unjust world evolved. Without the belief of a creator, life can seem depressing, and could possibly cause one to not care about their life which as a result they do not care about others lives. A second quality that attracted me greatly was that they do not practice a threat of eternal damnation. Our so-called hell that we have thought to believe is basically torture for not following the life that some say is the word of God. I have always been very curious as to what happens to those of us on earth that were uneducated about religion or those that died young. The Buddhists believe in Karma. I have always based my own actions around a Karma based aim unknowingly that this was a Buddhist belief. With these two key beliefs I do in fact find the eastern culture appealing in these areas. Although I do not plan on converting any time soon I can see where a Westerner could be attracted to the Eastern culture, when before reading this chapter I hypothesized that Eastern cultures were ancient and obsolete.... Free Essays on Why Eastern Culture Religions May Be Appealing To The Western Culture Free Essays on Why Eastern Culture Religions May Be Appealing To The Western Culture Since the beginning of â€Å"time† man has questioned their existence and what has caused their creation. Through my readings I have read numerous theories, ideas, and beliefs. Some drastically contrast, and others simply elaborate on previous hypotheses. These projected explanations of our existence, can cause great confusion and uncertainty. This confusion, I have found through my readings, is predominantly found in the Western philosophies. We either question or find reasons to believe in the very existence of a divine creator or even existence of our own being as well. This uncertainty within the Western culture is what led me to choose this question. After reading about the Eastern religious traditions I was very attracted to the fact that the idea of God is never questioned as greatly opposed as it is in the Western culture. This in itself is where I think a violent and unjust world evolved. Without the belief of a creator, life can seem depressing, and could possibly cause one to not care about their life which as a result they do not care about others lives. A second quality that attracted me greatly was that they do not practice a threat of eternal damnation. Our so-called hell that we have thought to believe is basically torture for not following the life that some say is the word of God. I have always been very curious as to what happens to those of us on earth that were uneducated about religion or those that died young. The Buddhists believe in Karma. I have always based my own actions around a Karma based aim unknowingly that this was a Buddhist belief. With these two key beliefs I do in fact find the eastern culture appealing in these areas. Although I do not plan on converting any time soon I can see where a Westerner could be attracted to the Eastern culture, when before reading this chapter I hypothesized that Eastern cultures were ancient and obsolete....