You are here:

The Confession

Name: The Confession
Director: Costa-Gavras
Released: 1970
Duration: 139 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1970

Director

Costa-Gavras

Runtime

139 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Confession is a political thriller that primarily critiques centralized power structures. It excels in intellectually challenging religious and military hierarchies, providing a deep analysis of institutional authority. However, the film lacks diverse representations in traditional social categories. Female characters are sidelined, and there is no depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. Ultimately, the film prioritizes a focused exploration of institutional power over demographic diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Confession have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. It focuses solely on religious duty and state authoritarianism.

How does The Confession portray gender?

Limited

The movie centers around male figures and their conflicts, with females playing minor roles. It does not promote misogyny but lacks significant women's ability to drive the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Confession?

Fair

The film is set in a specific Mediterranean context and emphasizes national and political identity. It does not highlight racial or ethnic diversity.

How does The Confession represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a nuanced look at the Church’s role in supporting oppressive state power. It critiques traditional Western institutions effectively.

Does The Confession include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities, nor does it use these conditions as central plot devices.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated critique of religious and military institutions.
Effective deconstruction of traditional power hierarchies.
Strong focus on individual integrity against systemic oppression.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant women's ability to drive the story and presence.
No representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity in the narrative.

Official Synopsis

In 1950s communist Czechoslovakia, a government minister, a war veteran long a loyal party man, leads a relatively comfortable life with his wife. However, he soon finds himself under surveillance, then under arrest. Unclear what his offense is, agents for the totalitarian regime interrogate and torture him, aiming to use their unending power to gain a false confession for these supposed crimes against the state.

How are these scores produced? →