You are here:

Misbehaviour

Name: Misbehaviour
Director: Philippa Lowthorpe
Released: 2020
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2020

Not Rated

Director

Philippa Lowthorpe

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Misbehaviour succeeds as a powerful critique of institutionalized femininity and patriarchal constraints. By focusing on the 1970 Miss World protest, the film highlights women's ability to drive the story and the strategic dismantling of commodified beauty standards. The film excels in its portrayal of gendered leadership and its sophisticated deconstruction of Western social norms. It treats political disruption as a morally justified response to systemic injustice, providing a strong sense of collective ability to act. However, the film's depth in addressing multiple aspects of identity is limited. While it addresses Eurocentric beauty standards, the role of non-white characters is less developed than that of the central feminist organizers.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Misbehaviour have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film includes queer identities within the activist culture of the 1970s. It avoids focusing on these identities through romantic subplots, treating them as a natural part of the era's social changes.

How does Misbehaviour portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative challenges traditional hierarchies by highlighting female intellect and strategic leadership. Women are portrayed as the primary architects of social change rather than passive recipients of it.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Misbehaviour?

Fair

The disruption of the pageant criticizes Eurocentric beauty ideals. However, the role of non-white participants remains secondary to the central narrative of the feminist organizers.

How does Misbehaviour represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions and the social hierarchies governing aesthetics. It frames the activists' disruption of a televised event as a necessary act of liberation.

Does Misbehaviour include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of traditional gender hierarchies through female-led strategic planning.
Sophisticated critique of Western institutions and oppressive aesthetic standards.
Meaningful integration of queer identities into the broader activist subculture.

Limited or Absent

Limited role for non-white participants compared to the central organizers.
Lack of visible or detailed representation regarding disability.

Official Synopsis

A group of women involved in the Women's Liberation Movement hatched a plan to invade the stage and disrupt the live broadcast at the 1970 Miss World competition in London, resulting in overnight fame for the newly-formed organization. When the show resumed, the results caused an uproar and turned the Western ideal of beauty on its head.

How are these scores produced? →