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The Web

Name: The Web
Director: Michael Gordon
Released: 1947
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1947

Director

Michael Gordon

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Web is a classic mid-century noir that adheres to the strict social norms of the post-war era. It is a conventional crime thriller that explores urban paranoia and the instability of socioeconomic hierarchies through the lens of crime and extortion. While the film provides a nuanced view of wealth and criminality, it fails to intentionally challenge traditional social or demographic hierarchies. The narrative follows period-specific conventions, presenting conventional power dynamics and gender archetypes. Overall, the film reflects the narrow demographic and ideological scope of the late 1940s cinema, offering little in the way of multi-layered representation or systemic critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Web have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-binary gender identities or sexual orientations. The relationships and interactions between characters follow traditional 1940s norms without any queer undertones.

How does The Web portray gender?

Fair

Jeanne Crain plays a central role, but her influence is mostly reactive. She deals with dangers created by men, fitting the traditional noir archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Web?

Minimal

The cast and setting are very homogeneous, representing an Anglo-Saxon urban environment typical of 1947 films.

How does The Web represent religion and culture?

Limited

The themes of blackmail and extortion emphasize personal cynicism without addressing broader societal issues. The plot does not explore diverse religious or secular beliefs.

Does The Web include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with disabilities who have significant roles. The narrative focuses mainly on crime and economic conditions.

Present on Screen

The film offers a nuanced look at the intersection of wealth and criminality.
It effectively uses crime and extortion to create narrative tension.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks the intention to challenge traditional social hierarchies.
Gender roles are confined to reactive archetypes such as the femme fatale or damsel in distress.
The cast and setting lack racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a highly homogeneous environment.

Official Synopsis

A brash young lawyer takes a short-term, high-paying job as bodyguard for a slick business exec being threatened by a former partner, and quickly realizes he may be in over his head.

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