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RED

Name: RED
Director: Kieran Thompson
Released: 2009
Duration: 43 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

2009

Director

Kieran Thompson

Runtime

43 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

RED is a historical thriller that emphasizes political tension and the psychological impact of the Cold War era. While the film lacks diverse representation across gender, race, and orientation, it excels in critiquing the institutional authority and systemic failures of mid-century America. By focusing on the McCarthy era, it delves into the erosion of individual autonomy and trust in institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does RED have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or stories related to LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

How does RED portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a male protagonist in a male-dominated workplace. It lacks strong female characters and challenges to traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is RED?

Limited

Set in a 1950s small town, the film focuses on US-Russia political tensions from a predominantly white perspective, without highlighting a diverse cast.

How does RED represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western institutions by portraying the FBI and McCarthyism as sources of injustice, exploring systemic harm and institutional corruption.

Does RED include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Offers a critical view of institutional authority and systemic failures in mid-century America.
Explores themes of systemic paranoia and the breakdown of institutional trust.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful representation across gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Does not include characters with disabilities or diverse cultural identities beyond the central political conflict.

Official Synopsis

Set in the Cold War era of the 1950's, Relations between the United States and Russia are tense. Senator Joseph McCarthy has many Americans convinced that the Communists have infiltrated society. Paranoia runs rampant, as decent Americans lose their jobs on suspicion alone. Floyd Woods served as one of the FBl's top Special Agents until he was accused of having Communist sympathies. Floyd lost his job despite lack of evidence to support these claims. He now works as a small time insurance investigator, who's flown into the small town of Sherrill, NY to investigate a life insurance claim, only to find himself distracted by the locals' odd behavior.

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