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The Duel

Name: The Duel
Director: Iosif Kheifits
Released: 1973
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1973

Director

Iosif Kheifits

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Duel is a psychological drama set in the 1890s, focusing on the internal moral struggles of intellectuals. It successfully deconstructs traditional moral certainties through complex character studies. However, the film lacks modern markers of diversity. Its narrative is confined to a homogeneous demographic and a male-centric worldview, offering limited representation for women or LGBTQ+ individuals. Ultimately, the film excels in its intellectual depth but falls short in broad social representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Duel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on two male intellectuals and does not include any non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or same-sex relationships, reflecting the assumptions of its time.

How does The Duel portray gender?

Limited

The story is centered around male experiences and existential dilemmas. It lacks female characters with significant roles, focusing instead on the relationship between two male protagonists.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Duel?

Limited

Set in the 1890s, the film reflects the homogeneous demographics of the era. It does not feature casting that breaks the period's social norms.

How does The Duel represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores themes of personal morality and social stagnation. It challenges the rigid structures of the 1890s by emphasizing psychological complexity over strict moral codes.

Does The Duel include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters face significant psychological issues, but the film does not explore visible or invisible disabilities as central plot elements or through the lens of neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

Offers deep psychological exploration of moral relativism and human flaws.
Critiques social stagnation and rigid historical structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant female roles or diverse gender representation.
Provides minimal visibility for LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming experiences.
Reflects a highly homogeneous demographic with little racial or ethnic variety.

Official Synopsis

Dramatic story about two young men, two intellectuals of the 1890th. It is a story about a complex human character. Being tortured by ignorance and boredom of life, clerk Laevsky is longing to break the depraved circle of his existence. His moral antipode, naturalist Von Coren is sure that people like Laevsky are worth being destroyed. But regardless characters' will and desires, providence deals with their lives in its own way...

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