Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean, Swept Away is Lina Wertmüller’s most famous and controversial film about sex, love and politics. On an elegant yacht cruising off the coast of Sardinia, Raffaella (Marigangela Melato), a rich and stunning capitalist, enjoys tormenting Gennarino (Giancarlo Giannini), a Communist sailor. Fate weaves a different scenario and roles become reversed when the two find themselves stranded together on a deserted island. Raffaella must submit to Gennarino in order to survive, which culminates in a dramatic climax when they are rescued. They must determine if their love can survive the harsh realities of civilization.
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Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto 7.5

Very good movie, for what it is. Certainly superior to the Madonna/Guy Ritchie remake, anyway. But I was taken aback by the overbearing machismo and violence towards women in this piece. It may be a product of a time and place, but I found it hard to watch this

On a side-note, the power dynamics between the two main characters probably explains Madonna’s interest in remaking it. While her version is (supposed to be) a romantic comedy, the original has a B&D quality to it that permeates many of her films. I imagine it to be a favourite film of hers, actually, if only because of this; she’s always been drawn to such stuff, for good or bad.