You are here:

Shadows of Adultery

Name: Shadows of Adultery
Director: Alexandre Astruc
Released: 1961
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1961

Director

Alexandre Astruc

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Shadows of Adultery (1961) serves as a psychological study of female autonomy. By focusing on Anna's rejection of domestic hierarchies, the film challenges traditional submissive female roles in mid-century cinema. The narrative's strength lies in its critique of male-dominated romantic power dynamics. However, the film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+, racial, or ethnic identities, which limits its broader impact. Ultimately, the film's value is found in its questioning of traditional family units and its focus on individual autonomy over social conformity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Shadows of Adultery have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses on heterosexual relationships and infidelity, with no explicit queer narratives or non-cisgender identities.

How does Shadows of Adultery portray gender?

Good

The film centers on Anna's struggle for autonomy against patriarchal structures. It contrasts her pursuit of independence with her lover's view of her as a plaything.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shadows of Adultery?

Limited

There is no information about the racial composition of the cast. The score assumes a homogeneous cast typical of 1961 European dramas.

How does Shadows of Adultery represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores themes of personal morality and the breakdown of traditional institutions. It prioritizes individual fulfillment and existential exploration over established social or religious norms.

Does Shadows of Adultery include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the synopsis.

Present on Screen

The film provides a strong critique of patriarchal structures and male dominance.
Anna's character arc offers a compelling subversion of traditional domestic hierarchies.
The narrative prioritizes psychological depth and individual autonomy over genre clichés.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
There is no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.
The story does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Anna, twenty-seven, married to building contractor Eric, refuses to live in his wake. Craving independence, she can exist through the art gallery she runs, but isn’t this occupation a mere wholesome distraction? When she meets Bruno and becomes his lover she thinks she will find fulfillment only to realize that she is just another plaything in a man’s hands.

How are these scores produced? →