“But this business of changing names is new to me!”: Onomastic Metamorphoses in Brancaleone alle crociate (1970)

Abstract

This article examines the use of personal names in Brancaleone alle crociate (1970), directed by Mario Monicelli, with particular attention to their narrative and symbolic functions. Following a preliminary survey of selected naming practices and their contextual relevance, the analysis centers on the film’s representation of female characters—most notably, the evolving appellations of the Witch. The study explores mechanisms of self-naming and heteronymy, drawing interpretive insights from comparisons between the original screenplay and the film’s spoken dialogue.