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Mademoiselle de Maupin

Name: Mademoiselle de Maupin
Director: Mauro Bolognini
Released: 1966
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1966

Director

Mauro Bolognini

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bolognini’s film is a sophisticated exploration of identity, using 18th-century social performance to deconstruct gender binaries. The protagonist's transition into a male persona allows the narrative to navigate and critique rigid social hierarchies through the lens of disguise. While the film excels in its handling of gender fluidity and the performative self, it remains limited by the era's demographic norms. The lack of racial diversity and the absence of disability representation reflect the historical context of mid-century European cinema. Ultimately, the work succeeds as a character study. It moves beyond simple plot devices to address the destabilization of traditional sexual and gender roles, offering a progressive look at identity for its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does Mademoiselle de Maupin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film centers on a protagonist who adopts a male persona, exploring gender non-conformity and queer attraction. This narrative space examines non-traditional gender identities and relationships.

How does Mademoiselle de Maupin portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by having a female character adopt masculine traits to survive. This subversion disrupts conventional social hierarchies and masculine leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mademoiselle de Maupin?

Limited

The production reflects the demographic homogeneity typical of mid-1960s European period dramas, focusing on class and gender rather than racial diversity.

How does Mademoiselle de Maupin represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes individual identity over strict religious or aristocratic conventions. It portrays deception as a necessary tool for survival and personal empowerment.

Does Mademoiselle de Maupin include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities being used as central plot points.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated exploration of gender fluidity and identity deconstruction.
Effective use of disguise to critique rigid social and gender hierarchies.
Central narrative arc that explores non-traditional gender identities.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity among the main characters.
No representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Limited engagement with systemic or multi-layered critiques.

Official Synopsis

Mademoiselle de Maupin escapes from her uncle's castle, invaded by Hungarian troops, under the guise of a clergyman named Theodore. An army recruiter forces Theodore to enlist in the King's army, and not even the religious robe is an insurance against it. Theodore is assigned to be aide-de-camp to Alcibiade, a man as virile in combat, as he seems troubled for the figure of his aid. D'Albert, an aristocrat, will expose Theodore's true sex, and after a number of confusing, comedy situations, Alcibiade will appease his troubled feelings.

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