Investigating Sex : A Dive into the Cinematic Underbelly of Post-War Italy

From Federico Fellini’s fantastical visions to Michelangelo Antonioni’s existential anxieties, Italian cinema has long been renowned for its exploration of human nature in all its complexities. “Investigating Sex,” by Guido Aristarco, is a fascinating scholarly text that delves into the realm of Italian erotic cinema, offering a provocative analysis of its societal impact and artistic merit.

Published in 1973, “Investigating Sex” emerged during a period when Italy was grappling with profound social and cultural transformations. The post-war economic boom had ushered in an era of unprecedented affluence, while the loosening grip of traditional values emboldened filmmakers to explore previously taboo subjects. Aristarco’s work provides a nuanced understanding of this cinematic landscape, dissecting the films through the lens of psychoanalysis, semiotics, and sociology.

The Anatomy of Desire: Exploring Eroticism in Italian Cinema

Aristarco argues that erotic cinema in Italy transcended mere titillation, serving as a platform for examining the anxieties and desires simmering beneath the surface of post-war society. Films like “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” by Pier Paolo Pasolini and “Story of O” directed by Roger Vadim, though controversial, offered unflinching portrayals of sexual power dynamics and societal taboos.

The author meticulously analyzes the stylistic tropes employed by these filmmakers:

• The Gaze: Aristarco delves into the cinematic language of desire, exploring how directors used framing, close-ups, and camera angles to evoke a sense of voyeurism and invite viewers to participate in the act of looking.
• Symbolism and Metaphor: Erotic cinema often employed coded language and symbolism to explore complex themes like guilt, transgression, and the search for identity. Aristarco unpacks these metaphorical layers, revealing hidden meanings embedded within seemingly simple scenes.

Table: Stylistic Techniques in Italian Erotic Cinema

Beyond the Erotic: Social Commentary and Cultural Critique

“Investigating Sex,” while delving into the explicit aspects of Italian erotic cinema, also uncovers its deeper social and political significance. Aristarco argues that these films acted as a mirror reflecting the anxieties and contradictions of post-war Italian society.

• The Search for Identity: Many of these films explored themes of personal identity and liberation in a rapidly changing world. The characters often grappled with societal expectations, religious constraints, and their own desires, mirroring the broader struggle faced by individuals seeking to define themselves amidst social upheaval.
• Challenging Authority: Erotic cinema dared to question traditional power structures and moral codes. By depicting explicit sexual acts and exploring unconventional relationships, these films challenged the status quo and sparked conversations about sexuality, consent, and individual freedom.

A Legacy of Controversy and Impact

“Investigating Sex,” upon its release, generated considerable controversy due to its unflinching analysis of erotic cinema. Some critics accused Aristarco of glorifying pornography, while others praised his insightful exploration of a complex and often misunderstood genre.

Despite the initial controversy, “Investigating Sex” has become a seminal text in the field of film studies, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of the role of sexuality in cinema.

Final Thoughts:

Guido Aristarco’s “Investigating Sex” offers a thought-provoking journey into the world of Italian erotic cinema, challenging readers to confront their own assumptions about desire, morality, and the power of cinematic representation. It remains a vital contribution to film studies, urging us to see beyond the surface and delve deeper into the complex social and cultural forces at play within this captivating genre.