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Shaft's Big Score!

Name: Shaft's Big Score!
Director: Gordon Parks
Released: 1972
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

1972

Director

Gordon Parks

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shaft's Big Score! stands out as a groundbreaking film centered around Black autonomy, thanks to Gordon Parks' insightful critique of systemic power. Its strongest point is the subversion of racial hierarchies, presenting a Black hero who excels in complex urban settings with intelligence and influence. However, the film adheres to the social norms of the 1970s, focusing on a traditional masculine-driven framework with limited roles for female characters. It also lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and individuals with disabilities. Overall, the film transforms a typical action plot into a meaningful exploration of social commentary, using the protagonist's individualistic justice to challenge institutional corruption.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shaft's Big Score! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social norms of its time and does not include any non-cisgender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Shaft's Big Score! portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male protagonist and is driven by masculine strength. Female characters play supporting roles, but the main conflict is driven by male-coded traits.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shaft's Big Score!?

Excellent

The film features a Black protagonist who play a significant role in driving the story and intelligence, challenging traditional white-centric hero narratives and breaking down racial barriers.

How does Shaft's Big Score! represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes corrupt power structures by showing legal and criminal institutions as flawed. This portrays the protagonist's actions as a necessary response to systemic issues.

Does Shaft's Big Score! include disability representation?

Fair

The film includes the physical toll of urban conflict but does not intentionally focus on neurodivergence or visible disabilities as central to character's ability to drive the story.

Present on Screen

The film centers a Black protagonist with high ability to act and intelligence, challenging traditional white-centric hero narratives.
It offers a sophisticated critique of corrupt legal and criminal institutions.
Gordon Parks' direction elevates the film beyond genre clichés into a meaningful exploration of social dynamics.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on a traditional masculine-driven framework with limited roles for female characters.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisgender characters.
Representation of neurodivergence and visible or invisible disabilities is minimal and lacks intentionality.

Official Synopsis

John Shaft is back as the lady-loved black detective cop on the search for the murderer of a client.

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