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The Snake God

Name: The Snake God
Director: Piero Vivarelli
Released: 1970
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1970

Unrated

Director

Piero Vivarelli

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Snake God operates as a period satire that uses moral relativism to drive its comedic engine. While it avoids the most regressive clichés by granting female characters some control over their own lives, the film remains anchored in the social and racial hierarchies of its era. Diversity is present but often serves the thematic exploration of the protagonists' perspectives. The 'symmetry of exoticism' suggests that characters from underrepresented groups are utilized to facilitate the main characters' journeys rather than being centered as independent agents. Ultimately, the film reflects the standard practices of 1970s Italian genre cinema, balancing individual character autonomy against a backdrop of conventional social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Snake God have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional romantic and social structures typical of 1970s European genre cinema. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Snake God portray gender?

Fair

While Cassini makes an independent choice based on her desires, the film relies on established gender roles. The dynamics follow standard period-appropriate clichés rather than going beyond familiar patterns.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Snake God?

Limited

The inclusion of a Black character adds a layer of diversity, but the narrative conclusion suggests these characters may function as vessels for exoticist fantasies. Eurocentric casting remains prevalent.

How does The Snake God represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film engages with moral relativism by framing religious exploitation through a comedic lens. It critiques institutionalized belief and traditional authority through the protagonist's opportunism.

Does The Snake God include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as central to the narrative or character development.

Present on Screen

The film provides a degree of women's ability to drive the story through Cassini's autonomous decisions regarding her own desires.
The narrative utilizes moral relativism to critique religious institutions and traditional authority.
The inclusion of a Black character provides a layer of racial diversity within the narrative landscape.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on Eurocentric casting practices for its ancient Egyptian setting.
Non-white characters appear to function as vessels for exoticist fantasies rather than independent agents.
The narrative adheres to conventional gender roles and straight-centered social structures.

Official Synopsis

A beautiful Italian woman is told by her black friend about the Carribean love god Jambaya who appears in the form of the snake. By the end of the movie, Cassini has decided to give herself to Jambaya while Cunningham departs with her white friend's ex-lover, establishing a neat symmetry between their respective fantasies of exoticism.

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