You are here:

Big Deal on Madonna Street

Name: Big Deal on Madonna Street
Director: Mario Monicelli
Released: 1958
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

1958

Not Rated

Director

Mario Monicelli

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Big Deal on Madonna Street is a character-driven film that examines economic desperation. It offers a sophisticated critique of capitalist hardship and social stratification by framing its protagonists as survivalists rather than traditional heroes. However, the film's focus is narrow, reflecting a predominantly male-dominated society and a homogeneous urban setting. Ultimately, its strength lies in its cultural commentary rather than its broad demographic representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Big Deal on Madonna Street have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible depictions of queer narratives or non-binary gender identities.

How does Big Deal on Madonna Street portray gender?

Limited

Women are primarily shown in domestic settings and do not play significant roles in driving the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Big Deal on Madonna Street?

Limited

The cast reflects a homogeneous Italian working-class background of the 1950s, avoiding harmful stereotypes but lacking multi-ethnic representation.

How does Big Deal on Madonna Street represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film effectively critiques economic structures, presenting theft as a necessary act driven by systemic poverty rather than a moral failing.

Does Big Deal on Madonna Street include disability representation?

Fair

Physical clumsiness is used as a recurring comedic element but does not explore the lived experiences of those with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated critique of systemic economic oppression and social hierarchies.
Nuanced portrayal of crime as a consequence of poverty rather than malice.
Effective use of satire to deconstruct traditional Western economic structures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant roles for women.
No representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Homogeneous casting without multi-ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

Best friends Peppe and Mario are thieves, but they're not very good at it. Still, Peppe thinks that he's finally devised a master heist that will make them rich. With the help of some fellow criminals, he plans to dig a tunnel from a rented apartment to the pawnshop next door, where they can rob the safe. But his plan is far from foolproof, and the fact that no one in the group has any experience digging tunnels proves to be the least of their problems.

How are these scores produced? →