You are here:

Excess Baggage

Name: Excess Baggage
Director: Marco Brambilla
Released: 1997
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

1997

PG-13

Director

Marco Brambilla

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Excess Baggage functions as a postmodern critique of social order, favoring fragmented storytelling over traditional narratives. It excels in deconstructing cultural norms, using situational ethics to question the stability of law and family institutions. While the film presents a flexible understanding of identity through its LGBTQ+ characters, it remains confined by the era's urban clichés. The casting focuses on stylistic elements rather than deep exploration of racial and ethnic identity. Ultimately, the film is a deconstructive work that replaces conventional moral hierarchies with a lens of absurdity and chaos.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Excess Baggage have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film includes diverse LGBTQ+ characters whose identities are shown through unique personalities rather than as central plot points. These dynamics challenge typical romantic storylines.

How does Excess Baggage portray gender?

Good

The main character defies traditional gender roles by prioritizing personal whims over societal responsibilities. Relationships are portrayed as unstable and transactional, breaking down idealized mainstream partnerships.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Excess Baggage?

Fair

The cast reflects late-90s independent cinema but does not deeply explore racial or ethnic identity. The focus is on stylistic elements rather than multi-layered casting.

How does Excess Baggage represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative effectively deconstructs Western social structures through moral relativism. It criticizes traditional institutions like family and law enforcement by emphasizing urban chaos and absurdity.

Does Excess Baggage include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence provided regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Effective deconstruction of traditional Western social structures and moral hierarchies.
Incorporates LGBTQ+ identities through unique personalities rather than central plot points.
A protagonist who exercises influence through non-traditional and erratic behaviors.

Limited or Absent

Limited effort toward multi-layered casting or a non-Anglo-Saxon majority.
Does not thoroughly explore racial and ethnic identity beyond standard urban clichés.
No visible or implied portrayal of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A rich brat fakes her own kidnapping, but in the process ends up locked in the trunk of a car that gets stolen.

How are these scores produced? →