Lina Wertmuller
Lina Wertmüller
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Lina Wertmüller was born Maria Dolorosa Chiarini on August 14, 1928, in Rome, Italy. She is commonly known as Lina Wertmüller.
Birth and Death Dates
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August 14, 1928 – December 31, 2021
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Italian Film Director, Screenwriter, and Actress
Early Life and Background
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Lina Wertmüller was born to an Italian mother, Elisa Chiarini, and a Swiss father, Bernardo Wertmüller. Her family's diverse background would later influence her work as a filmmaker. Wertmüller grew up in Rome, where she developed an interest in the arts at a young age. She began her career as an actress, appearing in several films during the 1950s and 1960s.
Major Accomplishments
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Wertmüller's breakthrough as a filmmaker came with her feature film debut, _I basilischi_ (The Basilisks), released in 1963. However, it was her film _Swept Away_... (1974) that brought her international recognition and two Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. This achievement made Wertmüller the first woman to be nominated for these categories.
Notable Works or Actions
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Wertmüller's notable works include:
_Seven Beauties_ (1975), a satirical drama set during World War II, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and was nominated for four Academy Awards.
_Love and Anarchy_ (1973), a romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of relationships in 1930s Italy.
Wertmüller's films often tackled social issues and challenged traditional gender roles. Her work continues to be celebrated for its bold style, strong female characters, and unflinching portrayal of the human condition.
Impact and Legacy
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Lina Wertmüller's impact on cinema is undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of women filmmakers, inspiring many with her trailblazing career. Her films continue to be studied in film schools around the world, and she remains a celebrated figure in Italian cinema.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Wertmüller's influence extends beyond her filmography. She was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and inspire change.
Quotes by Lina Wertmuller
I don’t think suicide is so terrible. Some rainy winter Sundays when there’s a little boredom, you should always carry a gun. Not to shoot yourself, but to know exactly that you’re always making a choice.
When you can use dirty words in every situation with everyone, that’s a real big liberation.
if I love something I do it, and if I don't, I don't. I think that this is the most important choice that any of us can make in life, in art, in history: to do the thing you love. If you love it, it is important. If you love it then while you are doing it, you are a true expression of yourself and your time and your story. You are authentic. If you don't love it you betray not only yourself but also your history, your culture, your position in your society.
I don't think suicide is so terrible. Some rainy winter Sundays when there's a little boredom, you should always carry a gun. Not to shoot yourself, but to know exactly that you're always making a choice.
When you can use dirty words in every situation with everyone, that's a real big liberation.
The wonderful thing about films is how they can be understood by so many different people on so many different levels.
What is important is not that you have a defeat but how you react to it. There is always the possibility to transform a defeat into something else, something new, something strong. All the good stories, all the people we remember are the ones who do this, who make victories out of their failures. Because the victories teach nothing. The victories are not useful. They are often dangerous.
I adore the work of Lucas and Spielberg. I'm certainly not trying to minimize their talents, but I'd love to see what they could do when they aren't leading us from reality.
Even American artists are terrorized by market forces. If one can't see the films, my wings are clipped. I am no longer concerned about this, because I'm focused on making films. Perhaps one day someone who discovers sunken treasures will reexamine my 35 or 36 films - I hope it will be 40 or 50 before I die.