Italian 270

Maciste

I. Italian fascism

A.Fascism (from fasces, Roman symbol of authority of rods tied around an axe) generally believes that:
i.a nation is a single, unified race, language, culture and people
ii.the people must be defended against “weak” and “degenerate” elements that might infect it (e.g., effeminacy, Jews); its natural state is one of infinite health, strength and vitality
iii.a single, charismatic, infallible leader is the expression of the will of this people
iv.traditional social roles are natural, but are compatible with modernity
v.neither capitalism nor socialism is the answer, but an organic, corporatist economy that aims at modernization
B.Mussolini is appointed prime minister in 1922; by 1925 the country was largely fascist in its organization, economy, etc.
C.Inspired fascist movements in Spain, Germany, Hungary, Greece, etc.
D.Cinema was seen as an ideal form of art—popular, communal, influential, particularly good at created a sense of unity out of parts; fascism wanted it to express fascist cultural values, and to make it an expression of national, popular culture.

II. Futurism (1906-1916)

A.A series of manifestos, by Marinetti and others, promoting a vibrant and destructive form of modernism: energy, movement, violence, destruction, speed, technology, machinery
B.Promoted itself as masculine, experimental, avant-garde, energetic, young, modern—opposed to traditions, museums, etc.
C.In literature, the abolition of punctuation, grammar and traditional form
D.Here, too, film is seen as ideal—made by machines, totally modern, and dedicated to movement and speed; but futurists were poor artists, and futurist films (and much of the art) was detested by the general populace.
E.Largely right-wing and compatible with fascism; but also close to more left-wing movements, like surrealism or Dada.

III. Maciste in Hell