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Misdeal

Name: Misdeal
Director: Jean Grémillon
Released: 1928
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1928

Director

Jean Grémillon

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jean Grémillon’s 1928 drama succeeds by challenging the conventional clichés of early cinema. Instead of validating the stability of the landed gentry, the film portrays traditional social hierarchies as sources of psychological entrapment and restlessness. The narrative gains depth through the intersection of class struggle and ethnic identity. By centering the protagonist's obsession on a Romani character, the film moves beyond simple social archetypes to explore more complex, disruptive emotional truths. While the film lacks LGBTQ+ or disability representation, its critique of rigid social structures and its nuanced handling of gendered expectations provide a layered character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does Misdeal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.

How does Misdeal portray gender?

Fair

Female characters such as Zita and the neighbor's daughter play crucial roles in the protagonist's internal struggles. The film portrays marriage as a restrictive social contract rather than an idealized domestic life.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Misdeal?

Good

The inclusion of Zita, a Romani character, stands out as a significant departure from the otherwise homogeneous social structure of the estate. She serves as the emotional core of the protagonist's journey.

How does Misdeal represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores the rejection of inherited responsibilities and class-based duties. It prioritizes emotional truth over the preservation of traditional family units or land ownership.

Does Misdeal include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional social hierarchies by portraying the landowner lifestyle as a source of dissatisfaction.
Places a Romani character at the emotional heart of the film.
Offers a nuanced critique of marriage and domesticity as restrictive social contracts.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
Provides no discernible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative remains centered on heterosexual romantic pursuits.

Official Synopsis

Maldone is a canal worker, happy with his life after running away from his family estate. He falls in love with Zita, a young gypsy girl, during a local fete. However, after his brother dies, Maldone is called back to manage the estate. There, he takes up the life of a landowner and marries a neighbor's daughter. Years later Maldone is still restless on the estate, and becomes obsessed with Zita, after meeting her by chance one evening.

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