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It Started in Naples

Name: It Started in Naples
Director: Melville Shavelson
Released: 1960
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1960

Director

Melville Shavelson

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

It Started in Naples is a conventional mid-century romantic comedy that adheres to the standard clichés of its era. The narrative is driven by a Western-centric perspective, using an Italian setting primarily as a backdrop for an American protagonist's journey. The film relies on established social hierarchies and traditional character archetypes. It lacks the subversion of gender or cultural norms necessary to move beyond a standard studio-era comedic structure. Ultimately, the film focuses on interpersonal dynamics and traditional romantic structures without exploring multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does It Started in Naples have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-traditional gender identities. The story revolves around typical romantic relationships of the time.

How does It Started in Naples portray gender?

Fair

Lucia is a central character, but her role as a nightclub performer emphasizes traditional gender roles. Her character is shaped by the male gaze.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It Started in Naples?

Limited

Set in Naples, the story is driven by an American lawyer. The Italian setting adds cultural context but does not center on local characters or their experiences.

How does It Started in Naples represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot follows standard Western narrative structures concerning inheritance and family. It upholds traditional social and moral norms without challenging them.

Does It Started in Naples include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are shown in the main character arcs.

Present on Screen

The Naples setting adds an international ethnic flavor to the comedic backdrop.

Limited or Absent

The film uses the 'sexy performer' cliché, which caters to the male gaze.
The narrative perspective remains heavily Western-centric despite the foreign location.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender characters.
The story reinforces traditional social hierarchies rather than subverting them.

Official Synopsis

Mike Hamilton, a Philadelphia lawyer, comes to Naples to settle the estate of his long estranged "black sheep" brother. Once there, he discovers that the deceased has left an 8 year old boy who is being raised by Michael's sister-in-law Lucia Curcio. To complicate matters, Lucia happens to be a sexy nightclub performer.

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