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The Startup

Name: The Startup
Director: Alessandro D'Alatri
Released: 2017
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Alessandro D'Alatri

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Startup serves as a cautionary tale that challenges the traditional 'self-made man' narrative. Instead of celebrating the hero's journey, it focuses on the systemic pressures and personal erosion caused by rapid social mobility. The film offers a critical view of modern achievement, prioritizing a critique of meritocratic systems over identity-focused storytelling. It examines the psychological costs of navigating contemporary societal expectations and the volatility of economic institutions. While the film lacks strong multi-layered markers or visible identity politics, its thematic engagement with the instability of modern life provides a moderate level of progressive social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Startup have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't confirm any specific LGBTQ+ identities or romantic subplots involving queer characters. While the pressures of fame could allow for exploring non-traditional lifestyles, there is no clear evidence of LGBTQ+ characters.

How does The Startup portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist, reflecting a patriarchal focus. However, the narrative may challenge traditional masculine archetypes by highlighting the protagonist's vulnerability within the competitive business world.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Startup?

Fair

Set in Rome, the film appears to reflect the local demographics of the Italian startup scene. There is no indication of significant racial diversity or changes in casting to include different backgrounds.

How does The Startup represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques capitalist structures by portraying wealth pursuit as a predatory environment. It challenges celebratory views of entrepreneurship by emphasizing the steep personal cost of rapid success.

Does The Startup include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent conditions in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges the idealized trajectory of capitalist success stories.
Provides a nuanced critique of modern meritocratic systems.
Explores the psychological costs of rapid social mobility.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or storylines.
Focuses on a single male protagonist, limiting gender diversity.
Shows no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity in the cast.

Official Synopsis

Matteo Achilli, a nineteen-year-old from Rome, manages to fulfill every young person’s dream: creating an app and becoming rich. But the world of success quickly turns out to be a jungle, and fame presents the young man with a steep price to pay. Based on a true story.

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