A few months ago this film became a cult, especially for the beating scene, which Monica Vitti receives from Alberto Sordi on the beach. Why does this scene happen so violent, but also comical? First of all, there is a breakdown of inhibitions in both characters. Giovanni is unable to contain his anger towards his wife, while in his job he is described as a cynical and diabolical lawyer. Raffaella is a complex character, unable to manage her own anxieties, and is dominated by her mother. Their marriage union is based on a social consensus, which is immediately broken after a few minutes of the movie. At the end of the 1960s in Italy the issue of divorce was considered a taboo, or a too sensitive topic. The clash between the two protagonists is based above all on the fact that the woman does not find her role as mother / housewife. There is a complete break, but no alternative is offered. This is why I think this movie deserve a great revaluation from many aspects, and we need to contextualize certain situations, instead of criticizing only the layers of the story.