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Tickling Giants

Name: Tickling Giants
Director: Sara Taksler
Released: 2017
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2017

TV-14

Director

Sara Taksler

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tickling Giants succeeds as a powerful deconstruction of Western-centric political narratives. By centering the Egyptian experience during the Arab Spring, it provides a necessary platform for Middle Eastern ability to act and cultural nuance. However, the film's scope is narrow regarding the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. The narrative is heavily concentrated on male-dominated political spheres, leaving little room for LGBTQ+ representation or diverse gender perspectives. Ultimately, the documentary is a sophisticated critique of systemic oppression and institutional power, even if it lacks breadth in social identity representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tickling Giants have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the sociopolitical landscape of Egypt and the challenges faced by a male satirist. There is no significant presence of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives exploring non-straight relationships.

How does Tickling Giants portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on the male-dominated sphere of Egyptian political satire and masculine-coded state authority. While it critiques the aggressive masculinity of authoritarian governance, the central role is driven by Bassem Youssef.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tickling Giants?

Good

The documentary provides a profound exploration of Middle Eastern identity and Egyptian national consciousness. It disrupts the traditional Anglo-centric gaze by providing a significant role in driving the story to Egyptian voices.

How does Tickling Giants represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film explores the tension between the individual and the state, highlighting how religious-political intersections can become oppressive. It critiques the volatility of institutionalized power during Egypt's political transitions.

Does Tickling Giants include disability representation?

Minimal

No specific depictions of visible or invisible disabilities are central to the narrative or used as significant plot devices.

Present on Screen

Provides a profound exploration of Middle Eastern identity and Egyptian national consciousness.
Disrupts the traditional Anglo-centric documentary gaze by centering non-Western voices.
Offers a sophisticated critique of how centralized authority and religious-political intersections can become oppressive.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight narratives.
Focuses heavily on male-dominated spheres, limiting the breadth of gender representation.
Does not include depictions or narratives centered on disability.

Official Synopsis

The Arab Spring in Egypt: From a dictator to free elections, back to a dictatorship. One comedy show united the country and tested the limits of free press. This is the story of Bassem Youssef, a cardiologist turned comedian, the Jon Stewart of Egypt, and his show "The Show".

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