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The Devil and Holy Water

Name: The Devil and Holy Water
Director: Bruno Corbucci
Released: 1983
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1983

Director

Bruno Corbucci

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film follows a traditional character study format within Italian comedic traditions. It relies heavily on established social hierarchies and religious institutions to drive the protagonist's redemption arc. While it explores themes of disgrace and recovery, it does so through a narrow, masculine lens. The narrative adheres closely to standard social expectations without challenging them. Ultimately, the film operates within a specific cultural framework, prioritizing a traditional moral journey over diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Devil and Holy Water have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a protagonist's personal crisis and religious journey. It does not include non-straight or non-cisgender identities or critiques of heteronormativity.

How does The Devil and Holy Water portray gender?

Limited

The story is told from a male perspective, focusing on professional failure and traditional masculinity. It emphasizes roles like the fallen hero and spiritual guide.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Devil and Holy Water?

Limited

The setting suggests a traditional Italian context. The narrative adheres to the demographic norms of its time and place.

How does The Devil and Holy Water represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story involves the Catholic Church as a source of salvation. It portrays religious institutions as stabilizing forces within a traditional moral framework.

Does The Devil and Holy Water include disability representation?

Limited

Physical injuries serve as a plot device for the protagonist's social decline. Characters with disabilities are not shown to have much control over their situations beyond their backstory.

Present on Screen

Engages with traditional Western institutions like the Catholic Church to provide social structure.
Focuses on a protagonist navigating professional and personal disgrace.

Limited or Absent

Does not include non-straight or non-cisgender identities or critiques of heteronormativity.
Relies on traditional masculine archetypes rather than exploring a variety of gendered perspectives.
Uses physical disability primarily as a plot device rather than a nuanced exploration of lived experience.
Adheres strictly to the demographic norms of its era without introducing racial or ethnic variety.

Official Synopsis

Bruno Marangoni, former center-forward of Rome, has fallen into disgrace due to a series of injuries, and now lives with gimmicks and small scams. At the height of despair he decides to commit suicide but is saved by the parish priest of a village, so he decides to move to the rectory

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