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Rolling Papers

Name: Rolling Papers
Director: Mitch Dickman
Released: 2015
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2015

TV-MA

Director

Mitch Dickman

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Rolling Papers functions as a journalistic ethnography, documenting how The Denver Post adapts to Colorado's marijuana legalization. The film highlights the integration of counter-culture elements into mainstream media. Its strength lies in its cultural commentary, particularly in tracking the erosion of social taboos. However, the documentary lacks depth in representing specific LGBTQ+ or disability-related narratives. While it captures a broad societal shift, it does not center specific identity-based stories.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rolling Papers have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on changes in the journalism industry but does not include specific LGBTQ+ narratives or character arcs centered around queer experiences.

How does Rolling Papers portray gender?

Fair

The movie examines evolving professional roles and editorial norms. It includes parenting advice within marijuana journalism, subtly challenging traditional domestic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rolling Papers?

Fair

The documentary captures a diverse group of freelancers and staff in Colorado during a period of significant societal change. It aims to document a multifaceted demographic.

How does Rolling Papers represent religion and culture?

Good

The film excels in documenting the normalization of substances once underrepresented by Western institutions. It explores the tension between traditional morality and modern social norms.

Does Rolling Papers include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Strong cultural commentary on the normalization of previously underrepresented social taboos.
Effective documentation of the intersection between legacy media and evolving social landscapes.
Captures a unique moment of systemic transition within a major industry.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or queer-centered narratives.
Provides no discernible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Focus remains heavily on professional evolution rather than diverse personal identities.

Official Synopsis

On January 1, 2014, recreational marijuana sales began in Colorado. With all eyes on ground zero of the green rush, The Denver Post became the first major media outlet to embrace it and appointed the world’s first marijuana editor. Legalization is not just an experiment for society, but a risk for the dying industry of newspapers to hedge its bets on the booming business of marijuana. Ricardo Baca sets out to report on history in the making with a team of straight-laced staff writers and fish out of water freelancers in tow for The Cannabist as it unfolds. Policy news, strain reviews, parenting advice and edible recipes are the new norm in the unprecedented world of pot journalism.

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