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Small World

Name: Small World
Director: Bruno Chiche
Released: 2010
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2010

Not Rated

Director

Bruno Chiche

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Small World offers a sophisticated exploration of memory and cognitive decline, using neurological impairment to challenge established social hierarchies. The film treats disability with nuance rather than relying on simple clichés. However, the film remains limited by a narrow demographic focus, with a social circle that appears homogeneous and Eurocentric, lacking racial or ethnic diversity within the primary cast. While the narrative effectively uses subjective memory to challenge the stability of traditional patriarchal family histories, it lacks LGBTQ+ representation and adheres to a traditional heterosexual framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does Small World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story revolves around a traditional wedding, which emphasizes a conventional heterosexual relationship.

How does Small World portray gender?

Fair

Elvira plays a significant role in managing Conrad's medical care and living arrangements. The protagonist's neurological decline challenges traditional male competence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Small World?

Limited

The story focuses on a localized, affluent social circle, suggesting a homogeneous, Eurocentric demographic without evidence of multiculturalism or intentional demographic blending.

How does Small World represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutionalized truth by contrasting fragmented personal memories with official family history. It deconstructs the idea of a singular, authoritative patriarchal legacy.

Does Small World include disability representation?

Good

Neurological impairment serves as a central theme in the narrative. The film provides a grounded portrayal of cognitive disability through medical examinations and professional care.

Present on Screen

The film provides a nuanced, grounded portrayal of neurological disability and its impact on social roles.
The narrative effectively uses subjective memory to challenge the stability of traditional patriarchal family histories.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks LGBTQ+ representation and non-cisgender identities.
The social setting appears homogeneous, lacking racial and ethnic diversity within the affluent ensemble.

Official Synopsis

Conrad Lang, a handyman in a rich family - he has been raised like a brother with Thomas, who has the same age -, accidentally puts fire to the big holiday house he keeps. He returns to the town he grew up in, to the family home, where Philippe, Thomas's son, and Simone are getting married. Conrad's frequent memory loss and behavioural problems rapidly reveal a neurological disease (Alzheimer's is suggested by doctor Cohen when he examens Elvira) which leads Elvira, Thomas's stepmother, to install Conrad in a guesthouse on the property, with the help of a nurse. When Conrad looses more and more his landmarks in present and past, memories of his youth come back to surface. They intrigue Simone, since these memories do not entirely fit together with the official family history...

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