You are here:

The Dolphins

Name: The Dolphins
Director: Francesco Maselli
Released: 1960
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1960

Director

Francesco Maselli

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Dolphins is a critical look at the Italian upper class rather than a focus on diverse identities. It emphasizes a critique of class and moral decay over the representation of underrepresented groups. While the film provides a cynical view of the psychological aggression of the privileged, it stays tied to the traditional social hierarchies of the 1960s. It lacks stories about LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critical portrayal of the social elite, even though it doesn't meet modern standards for diversity based on identity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Dolphins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't show any non-straight relationships or stories involving LGBTQ+ individuals. It focuses on traditional social structures from the 1960s Mediterranean region.

How does The Dolphins portray gender?

Fair

Women are mostly shown in traditional roles within the home or society. However, the film lets female characters engage in psychological manipulation and social aggression, similar to their male counterparts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Dolphins?

Limited

The cast is mostly made up of people from the same Adriatic coastal area during that time. There is no sign of diverse casting or non-European backgrounds.

How does The Dolphins represent religion and culture?

Good

Maselli criticizes established social and economic systems. The film shows wealthy young people as cruel and aimless, challenging the romantic view of the upper class.

Does The Dolphins include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurological disabilities that play a key role in the story or serve as main character arcs.

Present on Screen

Provides a sharp, critical look at the moral emptiness within the wealthy Italian bourgeoisie.
Challenges the romanticized view of the upper class through a realistic lens.
Shows female characters engaging in psychological manipulation and social aggression.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or queer stories.
Has a cast that is not diverse in terms of race or ethnicity.
Does not include depictions of physical or neurological disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An acid portrait of Italian youth at the time, I DELFINI follows a dreary season of discontent and viciousness in the lives of a thoroughly unpleasant group of mostly rich youngsters in a small Adriatic coast city.

How are these scores produced? →