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The Hussy

Name: The Hussy
Director: Jacques Doillon
Released: 1979
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

1979

Director

Jacques Doillon

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jacques Doillon’s film is a study of social non-conformity and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. It successfully dismantles traditional family structures and institutional morality, providing a nuanced look at characters living outside the norm. However, the film’s focus on a homogeneous social environment limits its exploration of racial and LGBTQ+ identities. The work prioritizes the subjective experiences of individuals who don’t fit into conventional social frameworks.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hussy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores a relationship that challenges traditional family structures. However, it doesn't explicitly identify the characters as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

How does The Hussy portray gender?

Good

Mado displays significant independence and emotional strength, challenging the traditional image of a fragile woman. The film also portrays the home as a place of neglect rather than nurturing care.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hussy?

Limited

The story focuses on a localized, homogeneous setting and highlights class-based struggles rather than ethnic diversity or intentional racial blending.

How does The Hussy represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes Western institutions by showing the nuclear family as dysfunctional and the state as imposing rigid moral rules on complex human relationships.

Does The Hussy include disability representation?

Fair

Mado’s unique behavior and expressions of affection suggest she may have traits associated with neurodiversity. The story examines how her specific behaviors clash with societal norms.

Present on Screen

Disrupts traditional gender roles and female victimhood clichés.
Critiques the nuclear family and state-imposed moral frameworks.
Offers a nuanced portrayal of social alienation and neurodivergent behavior.

Limited or Absent

Needs more explicit LGBTQ+ identity markers or queer representation.
Requires greater racial and ethnic diversity within the narrative.
Could benefit from more multi-layered breadth beyond class and social non-conformity.

Official Synopsis

Twenty-year old misfit François earns his living by gathering boxes and bottles to resell to local shopkeepers. He lives with his grossly insensitive mother and stepfather. Mado is a gawky 11-year old, who is neglected by her family because of the oddness of the way she expresses her affection. For reasons which never become clear, François kidnaps Mado, and takes her to live with him in the attic of his parents' home. Instead of feeling fear, Mado enters into the spirit of the abduction, and they joust with one another, increasingly finding love and comfort in their relationship. When the police come upon them, however, they put an entirely different interpretation on their behavior.

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