Directed by: Lina Wertmuller
With: Giancarlo Giannini, Mariangela Melato
Duration: 116 mins

On a tropical cruise, the wealthy capitalist Raffaella (Mariangela Melato), is vacationing with friends. She spouts political opinions, and shouts orders – being especially confrontational to the deck hand and servant Gennarino (Giancarlo Giannini) who grows increasingly frustrated by her demands and develops contempt for her independence. When it is nearing dark, Raffaella has Gennarino take her out in the dinghy for a swim, but the two soon find themselves drifting out to sea.

They eventually find land, an uninhabited island. Removed from the trappings of society, Gennarino and Rafaella engage in a passionate power struggle fueled by sexual tension and basic survival. Their desperation develops into a strange and cruel love affair that determines whether or not they want to be rescued. Set against the stunning Mediterranean Sea, SWEPT AWAY is an allegorical love story – a truly explosive and timeless tale of class distinction, sexual hostility and gender politics. The poorly conceived remake by Guy Ritchie in 2002, only serves to highlight by comparison, Wertmuller’s distinctive and accomplished skill for direction.

Not screening in Canberra