‘La Matriarca’ aka ‘The Libertine’, directed by Pasquale Festa Campanile, is a 1968 Italian comedy-drama starring Catherine Spaak, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Gigi Proietti, and Luigi Pistilli. This film explores themes of liberation, sexuality, and self-discovery through a satirical lens. It portrays a woman’s societal and personal transformation determined to challenge the limitations imposed on her by marriage and conventional norms.
The story follows Mimi, played by Catherine Spaak, a young widow who discovers a hidden, erotic diary belonging to her recently deceased husband. Through this diary, she learns of her husband’s extensive extramarital affairs and sexual escapades. The realization of her husband’s libertine lifestyle shocks her. Still, it also awakens her curiosity and prompts Mimi to question her own sexual desires and lack of fulfillment within her marriage. The diary becomes a gateway for Mimi, inspiring her to explore her sensuality and embrace a more liberated way of life.
As Mimi embarks on this journey, she encounters a series of romantic and sexual partners, each encounter helping her better understand her desires and identity. Jean-Louis Trintignant plays Dr. Carlo De Marchi, a charming and somewhat enigmatic man who becomes one of Mimi’s significant lovers, guiding her in her exploration and presenting her with an emotional challenge. Gigi Proietti plays Piero, a younger and more carefree man who brings out Mimi’s playful side. Luigi Pistilli portrays Paolo, a friend of her husband who tries to guide her back to a more traditional path, representing the societal pressures she feels.
The film is marked by its satirical edge, especially in its critique of conservative Italian society of the time. As Mimi grows more confident, she sheds the constraints of her past, defying the judgment of her peers and embracing a life where her desires and happiness take precedence. However, her journey is not without moments of introspection and struggle as she navigates the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
‘The Libertine’ is known for its nuanced treatment of female sexuality, a daring subject for its time. Catherine Spaak’s portrayal of Mimi is bold and vulnerable, capturing the complexity of a woman determined to live authentically.
The Other Cinema 