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Our Brand Is Crisis

Name: Our Brand Is Crisis
Director: Rachel Boynton
Released: 2005
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2005

Director

Rachel Boynton

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Rachel Boynton’s documentary is a sophisticated examination of geopolitical power dynamics. It succeeds by disrupting Western-centric narratives, specifically through its rigorous deconstruction of neo-colonialism and its centering of indigenous ability to act in Bolivia. However, the film remains limited in its engagement with gender and sexual identity. The professional political arena depicted is heavily male-dominated, and the narrative lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation, reflecting the existing patriarchal structures of the institutions observed. Ultimately, the film's value lies in its ability to frame Western political tactics as disruptive to the organic social structures of the Global South, challenging the dominance of Western institutional morality.

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Category Breakdown

Does Our Brand Is Crisis have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on macro-political structures and ethnic mobilization rather than individual LGBTQ+ identities. It avoids using derogatory clichés.

How does Our Brand Is Crisis portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on male-dominated political spheres and high-level consultants. Women exist within the Bolivian social fabric, but the film does not prioritize their roles or challenge patriarchal hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Our Brand Is Crisis?

Excellent

The documentary excels by centering indigenous populations as the primary drivers of national tension. It effectively highlights the friction between the Anglo-influenced elite and the indigenous majority.

How does Our Brand Is Crisis represent religion and culture?

Excellent

This film offers a profound critique of Western neoliberalism and its impact on developing nations. It prioritizes a post-colonial perspective, framing Western political models as destabilizing forces to local sovereignty.

Does Our Brand Is Crisis include disability representation?

Fair

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative focuses almost exclusively on socioeconomic and ethnic identity as the main vectors of conflict.

Present on Screen

Centers indigenous ability to act and ethnic complexity as the primary narrative drivers.
Provides a profound critique of Western neoliberalism and its imposition on sovereign nations.
Challenges Western-centric political models through a post-colonial lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
The political narrative is heavily centered on male-dominated spheres and consultants.
Does not prioritize the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies or women's ability to drive the story.

Official Synopsis

A documentary on American political campaign marketing tactics and their consequences.

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