seduction of mimi

Italian film makers have long been regarded as those of a sexist sort, all but sensitive to the feminist movement. Many critics, such as Laura Mulvey, complain that the main characters are portrayed as the epitome of male machismo in pursuit of the constant submission of women. Instead of directly refuting and disproving this trend, Lina Wertmuller in 1972’s the Seduction of Mimi, utilizes a novel way of strengthening the perception of women in film. Through satire and overexaggeration, Wertmuller successfully turns the tables on traditional Italian cinema inobtrusively, to give credit to those supporting female roles oftentimes overlooked. Carmello, or Mimi, is a rather inconsistent protagonist especially seen in his relationships. This proves an extreme contrast to the assured and strong female characters in his life.
Mimi, a hardworking laborer, affronts as the Sicilian macho everyman. He works at the quarry, which begins the opening scene of the movie, where Mimi mines for ro...