You are here:

Doctor and the Healer

Name: Doctor and the Healer
Director: Mario Monicelli
Released: 1957
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1957

Director

Mario Monicelli

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mario Monicelli’s comedy serves as a social satire of provincial life, focusing on the tension between modernity and tradition. The film critiques authority by pitting institutional science against folk-based healing, highlighting rigid social hierarchies. However, the work remains anchored in the era's standard social compositions. It lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and maintains a heavily male-centric narrative structure. The racial and ethnic landscape is localized and uniform, reflecting the demographic reality of 1950s Italy. Ultimately, the film's value lies in its institutional skepticism rather than diverse representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Doctor and the Healer have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the straight-centered social structures typical of 1950s Italian cinema. There is no indication of non-cisgender gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Doctor and the Healer portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a rivalry between the doctor and the healer, emphasizing traditional male roles. Women play supporting roles within this structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doctor and the Healer?

Limited

The setting reflects the ethnic homogeneity of mid-century rural Italy. The cast represents a localized, ethnically uniform population in the province of Avellino.

How does Doctor and the Healer represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores the tension between secular science and folk superstition. It frames the conflict between these two worldviews, challenging singular truths.

Does Doctor and the Healer include disability representation?

Limited

Medical themes are present, but characters with disabilities have little visible influence. Their conditions likely serve as comedic catalysts rather than nuanced explorations.

Present on Screen

Provides a thoughtful critique of provincial authority and social hierarchies.
Explores the intellectual tension between scientific rationalism and traditional superstition.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.
Concentrates narrative ability to act almost exclusively within male characters.
Reflects the demographic homogeneity of its era with little ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

Francesco, a young doctor, is appointed doctor to the imaginary village of Pianetta in the province of Avellino, but is immediately in competition with Don Antonio, a so-called "healer".

How are these scores produced? →