You are here:

Idle Running

Name: Idle Running
Director: Janez Burger
Released: 1999
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1999

Director

Janez Burger

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Idle Running functions as a localized character study focused on the tension between different lifestyles. It avoids typical coming-of-age stories by emphasizing stagnation and resistance to conforming to productive societal roles. The film earns credit for its portrayal of non-traditional, non-productive lifestyles, which challenges conventional expectations of social responsibility and masculine competence. However, the film lacks significant diversity in terms of race and ethnicity, and the narrative remains centered on a homogeneous group within a specific regional context.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Idle Running have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships between characters like Dizzy and Marina. There are no visible queer narratives or non-cisgender identities within the main character arcs.

How does Idle Running portray gender?

Fair

The story challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by showing men as inactive or dealing with unexpected domestic responsibilities. Ana’s pregnancy introduces a strong female presence into the predominantly male student environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Idle Running?

Limited

The cast appears uniform and reflects the specific regional setting. There is no evidence of diverse racial backgrounds or non-white characters used to challenge traditional casting norms.

How does Idle Running represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative questions traditional views of productive citizenship by focusing on a protagonist who rejects commitment and academic success. It presents a critical perspective on conventional social institutions.

Does Idle Running include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding characters with physical or cognitive disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by depicting men as non-committal or dealing with domestic complexities.
Questions capitalist expectations of 'productive citizenship' through its focus on idle, non-traditional lifestyles.
Highlights women's ability to drive the story through Ana's navigation of shared living spaces.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
Features a homogeneous cast with little evidence of diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Provides no information or representation regarding characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Dizzy is a perennial student living in a small double room in a hostel. He never seems to study, but spends his time sleeping, watching TV, and drinking. Marko, a studious freshman from the country, is assigned to the other bed in the room, and he is soon joined by his young, very pregnant, girlfriend Ana. Meanwhile, Dizzy's girlfriend Marina is trying to get Dizzy to make a commitment, but he would prefer to continue his idle ways.

How are these scores produced? →