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Barnabé

Name: Barnabé
Director: Alexander Esway
Released: 1938
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Limited

1938

Director

Alexander Esway

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Barnabé is a period comedy that relies on traditional social hierarchies and romantic clichés. The narrative conflict stems from class differences and the tension between individual choice and parental authority. While the female protagonist asserts her own romantic choices, the story remains within a traditional, domestic framework. It lacks representation of racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ diversity. Overall, the film prioritizes humor based on class distinctions over progressive social changes or diverse storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Barnabé have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on traditional courtship and marriage, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or challenges to heterosexuality.

How does Barnabé portray gender?

Fair

The female lead exercises significant control by choosing her own partner, challenging traditional gender roles. However, the story stays within a domestic, traditional framework.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Barnabé?

Minimal

The setting and names suggest a European context, with no exploration of racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Barnabé represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot revolves around class and family marriage plans, with conflicts arising from personal desires versus societal expectations, but without critiquing Western institutions.

Does Barnabé include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The female lead takes control by making her own romantic choices despite her mother's influence.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing mainly on European class structures.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or perspectives.
The narrative remains within traditional domestic and matrimonial frameworks.

Official Synopsis

Barnabé, an occasional flutist, goes to Mme Petit-Durand to organize her daughter's 20 years. But he is confused with the Count of Marengo whom Mme Petit-Durand wants to give as husband to her daughter, who has already made her choice.

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