Beyond the Latin Lover: Marcello Mastroianni, Masculinity, and Italian Cinema

by Jacqueline Reich

Marcello Mastroianni is considered by many to be the epitome of the Latin lover, the consummate symbol of Italian masculinity. In Beyond the Latin Lover, Jacqueline Reich unmasks the reality behind the myth. In her investigation of many of Mastroianni's most famous characters in Italian cinema, she reveals that beneath the image of hyper-masculinity lies the figure of the inetto, the Italian schlemiel at odds with and out of place in a rapidly changing world. Diverse roles throughout his career―the impotent man, the cuckold, and the unruly woman's victim, among others―present an anti-hero caught in traditional but increasingly unsteady modes of masculinity. Far from being a study of just one Italian film star, however, Reich's work demonstrates that Mastroianni's inetto is a reflection of the unstable political, social, and sexual climate of post-war Italy and its constantly shifting gender roles.

Genres: Nonfiction, Italian Literature

248 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent book looking not only at Mastroianni movies but his personal views and life, Italian gender constructs by region (!), gender studies in general, Italian historical context for the films, and film history. This was exactly what I wanted when I found out this book existed and it totally delivered. I could have easily read an entire second volume, Jacqueline Reich please help!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by Mastroianni's own recollections, this book explores his many cinematic roles, definitions of masculinity, and Italian culture. As Italy searches for identity in the post war years, gender roles require similar redefinition. Mastroianni's characters explore a myriad of types: the good guy, the Latin lover, the homosexual, the impotent, the inetto, the aging male. What I find most intriguing in Mastroianni's collected films are his consistent choices to play against the typecast of the Latin Lover. He allows himself to be vulnerable, powerless, weak, old. His work universalizes not only evolving male and female identities but Italy's journey. What a lifetime achievement! Grazie, Marcello!!!