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Carbon Copy

Name: Carbon Copy
Director: Michael Schultz
Released: 1981
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

1981

Director

Michael Schultz

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Carbon Copy uses a science-fiction premise to explore fragmented identities and socioeconomic divisions. Its strongest point is the clash between racial hierarchies and the American suburban ideal. While the film effectively critiques systemic exclusion through its racial dynamics, it falls short in exploring gender and LGBTQ+ identities. The narrative emphasizes the male protagonist's crisis over diverse perspectives. Overall, the film serves as a critique of social institutions, using cloning to challenge the stability of the traditional nuclear family.

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Category Breakdown

Does Carbon Copy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film adheres to traditional assumptions that everyone is straight or cisgender. It doesn't show non-cisgender gender identities or same-sex relationships that drive the story forward.

How does Carbon Copy portray gender?

Fair

Women play important roles in providing emotional support rather than being passive. However, the main narrative focus remains on the male protagonist's personal journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Carbon Copy?

Good

The story challenges racial and economic hierarchies by placing a Black teenager in an exclusively white, upper-middle-class community. This highlights issues of systemic exclusion and social barriers.

How does Carbon Copy represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative uses modern themes to question the ethics of scientific progress. It breaks down traditional Western ideas about heritage and nature.

Does Carbon Copy include disability representation?

Fair

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The protagonist's psychological struggles are not used as a key driver for the story.

Present on Screen

Highlights racial and economic inequalities by placing a Black character in a white, upper-middle-class setting.
Questions the homogeneity of the American suburban ideal through its casting and plot structure.
Employs modern themes to critique established social structures and traditional Western views on heritage.

Limited or Absent

Does not include visible non-cisgender gender identities or same-sex relationships.
Narrative focus remains heavily centered on the male protagonist.
Does not prominently feature physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A middle-aged married wealthy white corporate executive is surprised to discover that he has a working-class black teen-age son who wants to be adopted into the almost-exclusively-white upper-middle-class community of San Marino, California.

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