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Minutes

Name: Minutes
Director: Aleksandar Petrović
Released: 1964
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1964

Director

Aleksandar Petrović

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Minutes serves as a sophisticated observational documentary that uses irony to deconstruct the monolithic narratives of socialist Yugoslavia. While it lacks specific representation for LGBTQ+ and disabled identities, it excels in cultural critique by challenging state-sanctioned perfection through a skeptical lens. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the multi-ethnic reality of the Yugoslav landscape. It moves away from rigid socialist realism, opting instead for a road-movie style that highlights the bizarre and non-standard aspects of daily life. Ultimately, the work functions more as a social critique than a study of individual identity. Its diversity is found in its refusal to adhere to patriotic reverence, offering instead a complex, multifaceted view of a specific historical moment.

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Category Breakdown

Does Minutes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or stories related to LGBTQ+ identities. Instead, it focuses on a road movie set in socialist landscapes, emphasizing social observation rather than identity-specific themes.

How does Minutes portray gender?

Fair

Through its road movie structure, the documentary captures the lived experiences of the time. However, it does not specifically address or challenge traditional gender roles or portray non-traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Minutes?

Fair

The film showcases the diverse ethnic makeup of socialist Yugoslavia through its observational documentation. The subjects represent the region’s varied backgrounds.

How does Minutes represent religion and culture?

Excellent

Using strong irony, the film disrupts idealized depictions of socialist progress by focusing on bizarre events. It prioritizes subjective reality over state-mandated morality and institutional perfection.

Does Minutes include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no clear evidence that neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses play a central role in the narrative or are portrayed with specific ability to act.

Present on Screen

Uses structural irony to challenge and deconstruct idealized state-sanctioned narratives.
Captures a diverse ethnic tapestry inherent to the multi-ethnic landscape of socialist Yugoslavia.
Prioritizes subjective, observational reality over rigid, state-mandated morality.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any visible representation or narrative focus regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no evidence of portraying neurodivergence or physical disabilities with ability to act.
Does not explicitly subvert or explore non-traditional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

Another early Aleksandar Petrovic documentary, done for Dunav film in 1964. It is made as a kind of a road movie through socialist Yugoslavia, registering numerous bizarre sites and events, with strong irony both in the selection of scenes and in the background commentaries. Originally filmed in 16mm.

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