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The Italian

Name: The Italian
Director: Olivier Baroux
Released: 2010
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2010

Not Rated

Director

Olivier Baroux

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels in its exploration of intersecting identities. By focusing on a protagonist who balances a high-status European life while maintaining his cultural roots, the story offers a nuanced view of the immigrant experience and the performance of identity. However, the film leans heavily on traditional comedic structures and social hierarchies. The romantic and gendered elements follow standard formulas, failing to challenge common expectations around the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender or traditional masculine-led narratives. Ultimately, the film stands out as a study of cultural friction, even while staying within the confines of conventional genre storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Italian have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story centers on a heterosexual relationship between Dino and Helen. It does not include characters with non-binary gender identities or challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Italian portray gender?

Fair

The plot adheres to traditional gender roles, focusing on a male protagonist's career and marriage. Helen plays a significant role, but the narrative remains driven by male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Italian?

Good

The film delves into the complexities of ethnic duality through a protagonist who lives a double life. It examines the challenges of assimilation and the performance of identity within a Western professional environment.

How does The Italian represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores the tension between secular life and religious observance during Ramadan. It highlights the conflict between religious duties and modern social integration.

Does The Italian include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as central to the character arcs or the plot progression.

Present on Screen

Explores the complexities of assimilation and dual identity.
Offers a nuanced look at ethnic duality and immigrant experiences.
Uses religious observance to create meaningful cultural tension.

Limited or Absent

Relies on traditional gender roles and masculine-led narrative structures.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Adheres to traditional romantic clichés without subverting the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

Official Synopsis

Dino Fabrizzi is the number one seller of the Maserati dealership in Nice. At 42, he arrives at a turning point in his life, the position of director is openly proposed and his companion for a year, Helen, has the firm intention to marry her. For Dino, life is great, except that this perfect life was built on a lie. Dino is actually called Mourad Ben Saoud. Neither his boss nor Helen and even less his parents are aware of this false identity. In ten days begins Ramadan and Mourad who passes every year will this time assume the promise made to his sick father. Taking part in Ramadan, For Dino - the Italian - it will not be easy.

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