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City of Lies

Name: City of Lies
Director: Brad Furman
Released: 2018
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Minimal

2018

Director

Brad Furman

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

City of Lies is a typical crime thriller that sticks to well-known genre conventions. Although it delves into significant Black cultural history, the perspective is centered around white investigative efforts. The film lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and characters with disabilities. It also reinforces traditional gender power dynamics, where female characters have less influence compared to the male leads. Overall, the film's exploration of institutional corruption aligns with the neo-noir genre cliché rather than offering a targeted social critique. It falls short of providing diverse representation or complex subversions needed for a higher diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does City of Lies have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional structure that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no characters or stories involving LGBTQ+ identities.

How does City of Lies portray gender?

Limited

Male characters play key roles in the professional storylines. Female characters mainly support the main male characters' arcs and have limited influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is City of Lies?

Fair

The film explores the history of Black cultural icons Tupac and Biggie, providing insight into Black history. However, the primary investigative work is done by white characters.

How does City of Lies represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film challenges the idea of authority by showing institutions as deceptive places. This fits the genre cliché of distrusting authority.

Does City of Lies include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor are there any neurodivergent characters represented.

Present on Screen

Explores significant Black cultural history through the investigation of iconic figures.
Offers a critique of institutional corruption and the instability of authority.

Limited or Absent

Center protagonists from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Incorporate more complex gender dynamics that go beyond supporting roles for women.
Include representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Los Angeles Police Department detective Russell Poole has spent years trying to solve his biggest case -- the murders of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur -- but after two decades, the investigation remains open. Jack Jackson, a reporter desperate to save his reputation and career, is determined to find out why. In search of the truth, the two team up and unravel a growing web of institutional corruption and lies.

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