The division of people, due to social class and political belief, is clearly a main theme in Lina Wertmuller’s film Swept Away. The film portrayed class and gender conflict brutally, honestly, and graphically, but not without validity. The fact that a woman directed it just adds another level of realism as well as a different perspective. The division between Raphaella, the northern capitalist for whom the system has paid off, and Gennarino, the dedicated, southern Communist, is apparent from the beginning. Though the film is centered on these two individuals, it’s emphasis lies in what these individuals represent. Simply put, Rafaella represents the upper class; rich, educated, and powerful within her society. Gennarino is a representation of the working class; poor, uneducated, powerless in a society ruled by wealth. The shift in the balance of power is where these representations come into play. Though the characters are symbols of social and political stereotypes, it is the situations in the film that really illustrate the film’s depiction of their division. Early in the film we are introduced to the society in which Raphaella and Gennarino live. A society in which, because of wealth and education, Raphaella wields more power than her counterpart. She is snobbish, inconsiderate, bossy, and a great deal more empowered than an average working class woman is. In turn, Gennarino is constantly ordered around, belittled and criticized, enforcing his disgust for his counter culture. The turn of events caused by the shipwreck finally reverses these roles. Gennarino gains power, not through wealth but survival skills. This forces Raphaella to give up her pride in order to stay alive. Much like the poor, Raphaella has to submit in order to survive. Gennarino sees this as an opportunity to take revenge on the upper class that has been controlling his life up to this point and he takes full advantage. In the beg...
