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Flame

Name: Flame
Director: Richard Loncraine
Released: 1975
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

1975

Director

Richard Loncraine

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Flame offers a raw, satirical portrayal of a rock band's rise and fall in 1970s North England. Though it lacks broad representation in terms of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities, it excels as a cultural critique. By using its setting, the film dismantles the 'rags-to-riches' storyline, focusing instead on the destructive nature of capitalist institutions. It portrays the music industry as a corrosive force that undermines communal stability and moral values. Ultimately, the film serves as a detailed exploration of class and institutional corruption rather than a diverse social landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does Flame have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the intense bonds and conflicts within a male-dominated rock band. It does not include explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or characters with non-binary gender identities, sticking to the heterosexual norms of the 1970s.

How does Flame portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles in the film are shaped by the socioeconomic conditions of the 1970s, with male characters dominating the narrative. Female characters play supporting roles, often sidelined by the male protagonists' struggles for dominance in the music industry.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Flame?

Limited

The film is set in a predominantly white, working-class community in Northern England. It does not showcase multicultural settings or diverse casting, emphasizing instead the authentic ethnic textures of the time.

How does Flame represent religion and culture?

Good

The film presents a critical view of the music industry as a corrupting force, challenging the idea of meritocracy by highlighting the toxic environment and the erosion of traditional ethical standards.

Does Flame include disability representation?

Limited

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film. The narrative concentrates solely on the psychological and professional pressures faced by the band members.

Present on Screen

Provides a sharp critique of capitalist institutions and the music industry.
Deconstructs the traditional 'rags-to-riches' narrative arc.
Captures the unique textures of the 1970s British working-class experience.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more LGBTQ+ representation and narratives.
Features a predominantly white, homogeneous cast with limited ethnic diversity.
Female characters are secondary to the main male-driven plot.

Official Synopsis

Light the Rock 'n Roll spark with a Flame in the guise of Dave, Noddy, Jim and Don and their showcase of the rise and demise of rock band Flame. Set in the hardships of North England's seventies working class society and music scene. This build-up from rags to riches is a parody of realism and grit, with double-dealings and harsh unforgiving dog eat dog mentalities, and the golden rule; if you play with matches then you're going to get burnt, in the flames of the music industry.

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