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Love and Anarchy: The Films of Lina Wertmüller

Hidden Figures

Man and woman in embrace

In the first instalment of Hidden Figures, a new strand celebrating filmmakers who have been unjustly neglected in cinema history, we bring you the work of Italian director Lina Wertmüller.

An arthouse sensation who became the first woman to be nominated for the Best Director Oscar®, Lina Wertmüller was one of the most acclaimed directors in world cinema in the 1970s.

Her devastating, unflinching critique of fascist Italy, her embrace of ribald humour, and her dissections of entitled masculinity mark her as a unique and brave filmmaker. Her admirers include Spike Lee, Jodie Foster and Martin Scorsese, who praise her unique artistic vision.

Despite continuing to make films into the 2000s, Wertmüller’s work is almost unknown in the UK, and is very rarely screened. Her ruthless satires are challenged by feminist critics for the sometimes problematic portrayal of women, but she has nonetheless given an array of great actresses unforgettable roles.

We are delighted to present her newly restored films back on the big screen.

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From the curator

Barbican Cinema 1 & 2