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En passant

Name: En passant
Director: Alexandre Alexeieff
Released: 1943
Duration: 2 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

1943

Director

Alexandre Alexeieff

Runtime

2 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

En passant is an experimental technical achievement rather than a narrative film. Its focus is on the sensory experience of pinscreen animation rather than social representation. The film's strength lies in its disruption of conventional storytelling. By favoring abstraction over linear, moralistic plots, it challenges the character-centric frameworks typical of mid-20th-century cinema. However, the work's non-figurative nature means it lacks the capacity to represent specific identity groups. It functions as an avant-garde piece of art rather than a vehicle for social commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does En passant have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film uses abstract pinscreen animation focusing on texture and light. Since the work doesn't show human figures, it doesn't depict gender identity or sexual orientation.

How does En passant portray gender?

Minimal

The non-linear narrative avoids traditional social structures. Without character-driven dialogue or recognizable human figures, the film doesn't engage with or challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is En passant?

Minimal

The surreal, dreamlike imagery focuses on the interplay of shadow rather than depicting specific racial or ethnic identities.

How does En passant represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film serves as a visual accompaniment to French-Canadian folk music. It prioritizes artistic expression and fragmentation over reinforcing traditional religious or institutional values.

Does En passant include disability representation?

Minimal

The abstract visual language doesn't include human characters. Therefore, the film doesn't address physical or neurodivergent representation.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional, character-centric cinematic frameworks through non-linear storytelling.
Provides a unique visual accompaniment to French-Canadian folk music.
Prioritizes artistic expression and sensory texture over conventional moralistic narratives.

Limited or Absent

Lacks the figurative character depth needed to represent specific identity groups.
Does not engage with social dynamics, gender, or racial representation due to its abstract nature.

Official Synopsis

Pinscreen animation short made for the NFB's "Chants populaires" series of French-Canadian folk songs. En Passant illustrates the song "Et moi je m'enfouiyais."

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