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Jacob's Ladder

Name: Jacob's Ladder
Director: David M. Rosenthal
Released: 2019
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2019

Director

David M. Rosenthal

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jacob's Ladder is a focused psychological study that prioritizes individual realism over broader social critiques. It successfully explores the internal landscape of combat trauma and mental fragmentation, offering a nuanced look at psychological instability. However, the film lacks intentional demographic diversity and broad representation, focusing primarily on a male-driven perspective and leaving gaps in racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Jacob's Ladder have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on the protagonist's trauma and his relationship with his brother. There are no visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.

How does Jacob's Ladder portray gender?

Fair

The film emphasizes a male-centric viewpoint centered around veteran experiences. It follows a traditional masculine-driven thriller structure with limited subversion of gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Jacob's Ladder?

Fair

While the Afghanistan setting suggests international contexts, the cast's racial makeup is not clearly detailed. The film lacks verifiable information about a diverse cast.

How does Jacob's Ladder represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into the psychological impact of war and deconstructs heroic military narratives. It shifts towards a subjective, psychological exploration of truth rather than patriotic clichés.

Does Jacob's Ladder include disability representation?

Fair

The plot explores paranoia and mental instability, providing a platform to examine neurodivergent experiences and invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Examines complex themes of mental health and neurodivergent experiences through the protagonist's paranoia.
Challenges traditional, patriotic military narratives by focusing on the subjective reality of combat trauma.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The male-centric focus limits the presence and ability to act of diverse gender perspectives.
Provides little verifiable evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the ensemble.

Official Synopsis

After losing his brother in combat, Jacob Singer returns home from Afghanistan -- only to be pulled into a mind-twisting state of paranoia. Singer soon realizes that his sibling is alive but life is not what it seems.

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