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How to Fix a Pageant

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Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

2023

TV-MA

Director

Nicole Rittenmeyer

Runtime

49 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

How to Fix a Pageant succeeds as a study of institutional change. It transforms the beauty pageant from a shallow spectacle into a site of political and social debate. By emphasizing the ability to act of participants over the stability of the organization, the film effectively challenges conventional media formulas. The documentary excels in its portrayal of gendered power structures. The transition to female ownership and the subsequent contestant revolt provide a strong basis for discussing empowerment and the reclaiming of control. However, the film's exploration of specific identity markers is inconsistent. While it touches on systemic reform and globalized beauty standards, it lacks clear evidence of disability representation or specific LGBTQ+ character arcs.

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Category Breakdown

Does How to Fix a Pageant have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film looks at the Miss Universe Organization during a time of change. While specific character stories aren't detailed, the overall context suggests an examination of gender norms and identity within the pageant industry.

How does How to Fix a Pageant portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary focuses on women taking control from a legacy system. By highlighting a contestant revolt and the shift to female ownership, it challenges traditional hierarchies where male executives controlled female competition.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Fix a Pageant?

Good

The narrative explores how contestants from different backgrounds deal with institutional beauty standards. The global nature of the Miss USA framework suggests a diverse cast representing various ethnic groups during the organization's modernization.

How does How to Fix a Pageant represent religion and culture?

Good

The film takes a critical look at traditional Western institutions. It highlights the conflict between corporate profitability and social progress by showing a revolt against the old brand model.

Does How to Fix a Pageant include disability representation?

Fair

There is no clear evidence of characters or contestants with visible or invisible disabilities. The representation of neurodivergence or physical disability remains uncertain.

Present on Screen

  • Strong focus on women's control and the disruption of traditional male-dominated hierarchies.
  • Effective critique of institutional corruption and the tension between profit and social progress.
  • Exploration of how diverse contestants navigate systemic beauty standards.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of verifiable representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • Limited specific detail regarding individual LGBTQ+ character arcs or identities.

Official Synopsis

The rigging scandal and contestant revolt that took place as Miss USA and its parent company, Miss Universe, came under female ownership for the first time, as well as the legacy brand’s attempts to increase profitability by embracing women’s empowerment.

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