Normal is a 2019 Italian documentary film directed by Adele Tulli that explores the construction and assimilation of gender in contemporary Italian society. The film takes a kaleidoscopic approach to this topic, presenting a mosaic of scenes from daily life that showcase the choreographies of bodies, collective rituals, and behaviors that condition our identities as male and female.
Through a series of visually stunning paintings, Normal examines the ways in which gender norms are reinforced and upheld through everyday rituals and interactions. From the ways in which men and women move and speak, to the clothes they wear and the spaces they occupy, the film gives us insight into the complex ways in which gender identity is shaped and enforced in contemporary society.
Some of the scenes presented in the film include men and women practicing their respective dance styles, children learning to play with gendered toys, and a group of women participating in a traditional ritual that involves submerging their heads in water. Each of these scenes offers a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory ways in which gender roles are constructed and perpetuated in contemporary Italy.
Through its exploration of gender and identity, Normal challenges viewers to question the ways in which they themselves participate in these rituals and behaviors, and to consider the ways in which these norms shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Overall, the film offers a thought-provoking and visually stunning look at the complex and constantly evolving nature of gender identity.