"To each his own bastard": a viewer's guide to The seduction of Mimi

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Budd Wilkins (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Anthony Fragola

Abstract: This thesis examines the theory and practice of comedy in Lina Wertmüller's film The Seduction of Mimi (1972), as well as emphasizing its social and historical context, with a special focus on its depiction of the Sicilian mafia. The author seeks to provide a framework for understanding the different registers of the film's meaning by drawing from works of social and political history, as well as film history and criticism. The first chapter serves as an introduction, discussing previous interpretations of the film and suggesting new areas of exploration. The second chapter examines the implications of the film's title and enumerates the film's major themes. The third, fourth and fifth chapters explore the social and political background of the film's Sicilian setting. The sixth and seventh chapters detail the interrelation between social and sexual politics as exemplified in Wertmüller's film. The eighth chapter deals with the film's depiction of the Sicilian mafia and its influence on society. And, finally, the ninth, tenth and eleventh chapters delve into the film's complex use of stereotype and caricature.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Film Studies, Wertmuller, Sicilian mafia,
Subjects
Wertmüller, Lina $x Criticism and interpretation.
Comedy films $z Italy $x History and criticism.
Mafia in motion pictures.

Email this document to