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Ratataplan

Name: Ratataplan
Director: Maurizio Nichetti
Released: 1979
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1979

Director

Maurizio Nichetti

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Maurizio Nichetti’s *Ratataplan* is a visually surreal film that prioritizes physical comedy over social commentary. The story focuses on the protagonist's personal struggles and romantic pursuits, avoiding engagement with modern identity politics or systemic social structures. The narrative is driven by a singular, non-multi-layered protagonist, limiting opportunities for diverse ensemble dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ratataplan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a single male protagonist in a surreal urban setting. It does not include non-straight identities or explore queer themes.

How does Ratataplan portray gender?

Limited

Female characters mainly serve as objects of the male protagonist's desire rather than as independent agents. The narrative emphasizes his pursuit of women based on physical appearance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ratataplan?

Limited

Set in Milan, the film portrays a predominantly white urban environment. It lacks intentional efforts to blend races or cast actors from diverse backgrounds.

How does Ratataplan represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film uses surrealism to critique the absurdity of modern life and urban alienation. However, it does not provide a systematic critique of societal institutions.

Does Ratataplan include disability representation?

Minimal

The protagonist's obsessive behaviors are used as comedic elements. The film does not intentionally represent visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film provides a unique critique of urban alienation and the mechanical nature of modern existence through surrealist storytelling.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks character depth, portraying female characters as objects of desire rather than independent individuals.
The homogeneous setting and narrow focus prevent meaningful engagement with racial or ethnic diversity.
Obsessive behaviors are used solely as comedic devices rather than nuanced depictions of lived experiences.

Official Synopsis

Misadventures of Colombo, an engineer in Milano. He is the only winner of an admission test for a job, and just for this reason he isn't hired. So he becomes a barman, and he discovers a special formula that turns simple water into the "Immortality drink". He is robbed of the magic water copyright. So he tries to set up a theatrical company, but the first show is a fiasco. Since finding a normal job seems a mission impossible, he tries to set the sentimental side of his life. He targets the most beautiful girl of his building, and for her he builds a robot able to dance like Tony Manero (John Travolta's character in Saturday Night Fever (1977)). The robot gets drunk (!). It is another fiasco. So he targets an ugly girl and finally with her succeeds to live his surreal world for ever.

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