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The Upper Hand

Name: The Upper Hand
Director: Denys de La Patellière
Released: 1966
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1966

Director

Denys de La Patellière

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1960s crime thriller follows conventional genre clichés, focusing on a gold smuggling conflict involving local gangsters and a US Treasury agent. The narrative emphasizes traditional masculine power structures and adheres to established social hierarchies. The film centers on male-dominated hierarchies and lacks intentional subversion of cultural norms or inclusion of diverse identities. It serves primarily as a stylistic genre piece rather than a vehicle for exploring diverse perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Upper Hand have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to traditional frameworks that assume everyone is straight or cisgender. There is no depiction of non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Upper Hand portray gender?

Limited

Men hold positions of power in criminal and law enforcement roles. Women play minor roles and have little influence on the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Upper Hand?

Limited

The story focuses on French and American characters, reflecting the historical context without including non-white protagonists or diverse racial perspectives.

How does The Upper Hand represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores conflicts between organized crime and state authority using standard genre clichés. It does not challenge Western institutions or promote moral relativism.

Does The Upper Hand include disability representation?

Limited

Disability is not a significant part of the character arcs. If present, it is used minimally in secondary plot devices.

Present on Screen

Follows the polished stylistic conventions of classical French cinema.
Offers a cohesive narrative within the established crime-drama genre.

Limited or Absent

Does not represent non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.
Focuses on male-dominated hierarchies, limiting gender diversity.
Does not include non-white protagonists or diverse racial perspectives.

Official Synopsis

In Paris, a gold smuggler is at war with other local gangsters who want piece of the action. Then the mob shows up and makes things worse. And an undercover US Treasury Department agent is trying to infiltrate the smuggling business.

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