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This Is America

Name: This Is America
Director: Romano Vanderbes
Released: 1977
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1977

Director

Romano Vanderbes

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary serves as a study of social transgression, using a shock-documentary approach to challenge conventional American morality. It effectively highlights subcultures that exist outside mainstream norms, but it lacks depth in exploring various identities. Instead of providing specific identity-based stories, it prioritizes disrupting social norms over giving its subjects more control over their lives.

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Category Breakdown

Does This Is America have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores sexual practices that go beyond traditional norms. However, it doesn't clearly confirm specific LGBTQ identities or follow character arcs centered around these identities.

How does This Is America portray gender?

Fair

The film focuses on the display of gendered bodies through nude beauty contests and sex therapy sessions. While it moves away from conservative views, it doesn't show women taking significant control over their lives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is This Is America?

Minimal

The film provides no specific details regarding the racial or ethnic composition of its subjects. Its focus on car culture and sexual subcultures leaves this aspect unverified.

How does This Is America represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary presents a viewpoint that questions traditional Western values by focusing on behaviors that challenge societal norms. It highlights subcultures that exist outside mainstream norms, challenging the conventional family structure.

Does This Is America include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not address neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or mental health issues. There is no indication of meaningful roles or representation for individuals with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges mainstream social stability and traditional Western institutional values.
Critiques social conformity by focusing on transgressive subcultures.
Uses a shock-documentary style to disrupt conventional perceptions of morality.

Limited or Absent

Needs to provide more multi-layered depth and specific identity-based narratives.
Does not offer meaningful representation or control for individuals with disabilities.
Relies on the spectacle of gendered bodies rather than addressing gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Inspired by shock-documentaries like Mondo Cane, this film looks at the wilder side of life in America. Starting off with the bloodier side of the American car culture by showing a series of crashes at race events, the film then goes on to lesser-known sexual practices. Included among these is a porno movie award show, a nude beauty contest, a sex therapy session, and a detailed explanation of where dildos come from.

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