You are here:

8

Name: 8
Director: Abderrahmane Sissako, Gael García Bernal, Gaspar Noé, Gus Van Sant, Jan Kounen, Jane Campion, Mira Nair, Wim Wenders
Released: 2008
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2008

Director

Abderrahmane Sissako, Gael García Bernal, Gaspar Noé, Gus Van Sant, Jan Kounen, Jane Campion, Mira Nair, Wim Wenders

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

8 is a decentralized cinematic project that replaces a single protagonist with a global collective. Its main strength lies in its structural subversion of the traditional 'hero's journey' through its diverse directorial team. By centering voices from the Global South, the film offers a rich, polyphonic experience that goes beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to reclaim the medium from colonial influences. However, its reliance on abstraction can make it less effective in addressing specific identity issues. Additionally, while it challenges traditional gender hierarchies, it does not provide a strong focus on non-cisgender identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does 8 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores LGBTQ themes through abstract visuals rather than direct storytelling. It focuses more on existential questions than on critiquing assumptions about straight relationships.

How does 8 portray gender?

Good

The film distributes creative control among a diverse group of directors. This approach challenges traditional male-dominated structures by giving women a key role in directing certain segments.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 8?

Excellent

The film highlights the aesthetics of the Global South by featuring actors from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. This approach counters Western-centric norms by showcasing a variety of cultural perspectives.

How does 8 represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes secular humanism and personal morality rather than following a single religious doctrine. It critiques Western dominance by prioritizing a range of global cultural voices.

Does 8 include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible evidence regarding the representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's segments.

Present on Screen

The diverse directorial team challenges traditional patriarchal structures.
The film centers the lived experiences of the Global South through varied casting.
The anthology format dismantles Western-centric cinematic norms.

Limited or Absent

The film's abstract approach lacks a clear focus on non-cisgender identities.
Avoiding overt political statements may limit its social critique.
There is no visible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

8 shorts centered around 8 themes directed by 8 famous film directors involved and sharing their opinion on progress, on the set-backs and the challenges our planet faces today.

How are these scores produced? →