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An Italian Name

Name: An Italian Name
Director: Francesca Archibugi
Released: 2015
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2015

Director

Francesca Archibugi

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

An Italian Name is a character-driven exploration of domestic life and the tensions within long-standing social bonds. It unfolds over a single evening, revealing the underlying tensions of its characters through psychological realism. The film emphasizes interpersonal nuances and emotional authenticity over broader social critiques. While it provides a sophisticated view of modern identity through family legacies, it remains firmly grounded in a traditional character study. Ultimately, the work focuses on the intricate dynamics of a specific cultural environment, prioritizing the complexities of personal relationships over broader demographic diversity or the dismantling of societal hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does An Italian Name have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional domestic setting where everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender. Characters like Claudio stand out due to their eccentricity, but there are no stories or identities that challenge traditional social structures.

How does An Italian Name portray gender?

Fair

Simona breaks the mold of passive femininity through her professional success as a writer. However, the main conflict revolves around traditional domestic roles and the expectations placed on parents by society.

How racially and ethnically diverse is An Italian Name?

Limited

The story primarily features a homogeneous middle-class Italian social circle. There is no indication of diverse racial backgrounds or multi-layered identities among the main characters.

How does An Italian Name represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot centers on the dynamics of a dinner party and the emotional conflicts within the family unit. It does not delve into broader ideological or cultural themes.

Does An Italian Name include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant portrayals of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that play a central role in the story or drive the narrative forward.

Present on Screen

Simona's character highlights professional success and intellectual independence as a writer.
The film offers a nuanced, sophisticated look at modern identity and personal relationships.
The narrative provides a deep, psychological exploration of domestic intimacy and interpersonal tension.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks significant representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous social circle.
The narrative does not actively engage in the deconstruction of Western institutions such as capitalism or the family.

Official Synopsis

Paolo is an outgoing and handsome real estate broker married to Simona, a beautiful woman from the rough outskirts of Rome who has become an author of spicy bestsellers and is pregnant with their child. Betta, Paolo’s sister and her husband Sandro organise a dinner party with Paolo, Simona and their childhood friend, the eccentric musician Claudio. During the lively gathering Paolo reveals what he would like to name his son, causing reactions to steam up and a torrent of revelations to follow reaching climactic proportions.

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