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The Virtuous Bigamist

Name: The Virtuous Bigamist
Director: Mario Soldati
Released: 1956
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1956

Director

Mario Soldati

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film examines the tension between individual autonomy and conservative societal norms through a localized conflict. It challenges mid-century moralities by focusing on personal necessity. Though the film lacks modern diversity in terms of racial and LGBTQ+ representation, it offers a meaningful critique of traditional social structures. The protagonists navigate complex situations to address personal needs.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Virtuous Bigamist have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a heterosexual relationship designed to fit societal norms. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or representations of non-straight identities.

How does The Virtuous Bigamist portray gender?

Fair

Marie plays a significant role in driving the story by orchestrating a deception to protect her autonomy. Her actions challenge the traditional male-dominated household structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Virtuous Bigamist?

Minimal

Set in 1950s Provence, the film reflects the predominantly white population of the time. There are no indications of a multi-ethnic cast or non-white characters.

How does The Virtuous Bigamist represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques rigid social structures by presenting an unwed pregnancy and temporary bigamy as sympathetic struggles. It emphasizes situational ethics over strict communal rules.

Does The Virtuous Bigamist include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not mention any visible or invisible disabilities. Therefore, a score cannot be accurately assigned.

Present on Screen

Marie's strong autonomy and leadership in navigating her circumstances.
The film's critique of rigid, conservative social structures and institutional pressures.
Exploration of complex human relationships and situational ethics.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the homogeneous demographics of 1950s Provence.
Absence of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
No characters with visible or invisible disabilities featured in the story.

Official Synopsis

The Provence, somewhere in the 1950's. Paul Verdier, traveling salesman, leaves his home and his quarrelsome wife for his weekly round. On the train he meets a young woman, Marie, who looks a little lost. No wonder. Marie is pregnant but lacks the customary husband. She's returning to her village but is not exactly looking forward to the confrontation with her parents and the villagers, all pretty conservative people. After getting to know Paul a little better (for which there is ample time during the trip by train and bus) Marie decides to ask Paul to act as her husband, just to allay the suspicions of her family. After some hesitating Paul accepts, charmed by the girl and unaware of the complications such is bound to cause to his own life.

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