You are here:

The Ritz

Name: The Ritz
Director: Richard Lester
Released: 1976
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1976

Director

Richard Lester

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Ritz functions as a sophisticated comedy of manners that uses an episodic structure to deconstruct high-society artifice. It integrates non-straight environments into the plot, offering a layer of subtext regarding identity fluidity. However, the film remains tied to the era's social constraints, lacking significant racial diversity and relying on traditional gendered clichés in farce. Ultimately, it critiques class-based social performance through satire rather than through a progressive lens of characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Ritz have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film uses a gay bathhouse as a key setting, disrupting the 1970s mainstream expectations through its non-straight environment. However, it does not delve deeply into queer character development.

How does The Ritz portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play significant roles within the comedic ensemble, often focused on romantic pursuits and social maneuvering. The film relies on gendered misunderstandings typical of farce without challenging traditional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ritz?

Limited

The ensemble remains largely homogeneous, reflecting the social stratification of the era. There is a lack of diverse casting choices that challenge the racial norms of the time.

How does The Ritz represent religion and culture?

Fair

The satire highlights the friction between wealthy patrons and service staff, suggesting a subtle skepticism toward traditional institutions of status.

Does The Ritz include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent or central depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that drive the narrative or serve as significant character arcs.

Present on Screen

Uses non-straight environments to drive the plot.
Provides a nuanced satire of class pretension and social climbing.
Features female characters with significant roles within the comedic ensemble.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial diversity or multi-layered depth.
Relies on traditional gendered misunderstandings and comedic clichés.
Does not actively challenge traditional gender hierarchies or racial norms.

Official Synopsis

To escape from a mobster, businessman Gaetano Proclo orders a cab driver to take him to a place where he can't be found. Unfortunately for Gaetano, the place turns out to be a gay bathhouse.

How are these scores produced? →