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The Assassination

Name: The Assassination
Director: Yves Boisset
Released: 1972
Duration: 123 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

1972

Director

Yves Boisset

Runtime

123 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yves Boisset’s thriller stands out as a political critique by centering a North African exile against the machinery of French state interests. This focus provides a nuanced exploration of post-colonial tensions and challenges the legitimacy of Western institutional power. However, the film’s impact is limited by its narrow demographic scope. The narrative is heavily male-dominated, lacking women's ability to drive the story and any representation of LGBTQ+ or disabled identities. While the film excels in its geopolitical and cultural skepticism, its lack of social diversity across gender and identity categories limits its overall effectiveness.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Assassination have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story stays focused on traditionally masculine themes like espionage and political strategy.

How does The Assassination portray gender?

Limited

The narrative adheres to a traditional patriarchal structure, emphasizing male-dominated hierarchies and lacking women's ability to drive the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Assassination?

Good

The film offers a progressive perspective through a post-colonial lens. By focusing on a North African leader, it challenges Eurocentric dominance and highlights non-Anglo-Saxon political influence.

How does The Assassination represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western state institutions effectively. It portrays established political systems as sources of systemic oppression and manipulated truths.

Does The Assassination include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as central to the character arcs or narrative development.

Present on Screen

Strong post-colonial perspective that challenges Eurocentric norms.
Nuanced exploration of ethnic identity within a geopolitical context.
Effective critique of Western institutional corruption and state-sponsored manipulation.

Limited or Absent

Lacks women's ability to drive the story and gender diversity.
No LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No portrayal of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Darien, a left-wing police informant, is forced to lure his old friend Sadiel to Paris, allegedly to film a television special about the Third World. Sadiel, the exiled leader of a North African state, is being hunted by the ruthless Colonel Kassar, who will stop at nothing to capture his political rival. Once Sadiel arrives in Paris, Darien realizes he has been manipulated. He tries to turn back the clock, not realizing what or who he’s truly dealing with.

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