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The Wizard of Loneliness

Name: The Wizard of Loneliness
Director: Jenny Bowen
Released: 1988
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

1988

PG-13

Director

Jenny Bowen

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a character-driven drama that emphasizes the psychological isolation of a young boy. It excels in exploring subjective reality and the vulnerability of a child navigating loss during wartime. However, the work adheres to conventional mid-century dramatic structures. It lacks explicit markers of diversity, such as varied racial casting or LGBTQ+ narratives, necessary for a more inclusive score. While the film challenges some masculine archetypes through its protagonist's loneliness, it operates within a largely traditional and homogeneous historical framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Wizard of Loneliness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no characters or stories that include LGBTQ+ individuals or question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Wizard of Loneliness portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male protagonist's vulnerability, offering a slight shift from the typical stoic masculinity. However, the family structure remains traditional.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Wizard of Loneliness?

Limited

Set during World War II, the film suggests a potentially homogeneous Western social environment. There is no indication of a diverse or non-white cast.

How does The Wizard of Loneliness represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores individual perception through the protagonist's belief in superpowers, providing some cultural depth within a traditional setting.

Does The Wizard of Loneliness include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's isolation and supernatural beliefs may serve as a metaphor for neurodivergence. It is unclear whether these internal states are explored with real depth.

Present on Screen

Explores non-traditional psychological states through a vulnerable male protagonist.
Uses subjective perception and childhood belief to challenge objective truth.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Shows a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within its mid-century setting.
Relies on traditional familial structures rather than challenging gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

After his mother dies and father goes to fight in World War II, a young boy moves in with his aunt and uncle who live in the countryside. Lonely and unhappy, he starts believing he has super powers. Then a "dead" man shows up.

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