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The Business

Name: The Business
Director: Nick Love
Released: 2005
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

2005

Director

Nick Love

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a stylized period piece centered on a specific, homogeneous subculture. While it captures the aesthetic of the 1980s electronic music scene, it lacks broad representation of various identities. The film's strength lies in its anti-establishment themes, framing rebellion against mainstream authority as a core identity. However, this focus comes at the expense of diverse representation. Ultimately, the film prioritizes historical subcultural authenticity over the inclusion of varied identities, resulting in a narrow demographic scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Business have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the social dynamics of the 1980s rave scene, which assumes everyone is straight. It doesn't include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question traditional norms.

How does The Business portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around male camaraderie, with women appearing mainly as peripheral figures or romantic interests rather than central agents of the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Business?

Limited

The narrative is primarily about a white, working-class demographic within the UK electronic music scene. It lacks a diverse or multi-ethnic cast.

How does The Business represent religion and culture?

Good

The film portrays the establishment and law enforcement as antagonistic forces. It celebrates the counter-culture and the social liberation found in the rave scene.

Does The Business include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters with disabilities do not drive the central narrative or thematic exploration.

Present on Screen

Provides a strong critique of mainstream authority and traditional institutions.
Authentically captures the hedonistic and communal spirit of the 1980s counter-culture.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous demographic.
Features minimal gender diversity, with women often relegated to peripheral roles.
Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

During the '80s, a young man named Frankie dreams of escaping London's South East region, and his mother's thug of a boyfriend gives him just the opportunity. After beating up the abusive beau, Frankie runs off to Spain, where he lands a job delivering a package to the dapper Playboy Charlie, a gangster who takes him under his wing. Working as Charlie's driver, Frankie is immersed in a world of fast cars and pretty women -- but all the excess could be his undoing.

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