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The First Time

Name: The First Time
Director: Claude Berri
Released: 1976
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1976

Director

Claude Berri

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film provides a nuanced look at 19th-century French social structures, prioritizing thematic depth over demographic breadth. While the historical setting limits racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, the film excels in its subversion of gendered clichés. It moves beyond simple period drama by granting female characters ability to act and exploring the tension between individual desire and institutional morality. However, the narrow focus on a homogeneous European context results in low scores for racial and ethnic representation. The narrative remains strictly within the bounds of the era's social realities, which limits its modern inclusiveness.

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Category Breakdown

Does The First Time have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and period-specific interpersonal dynamics.

How does The First Time portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles by centering female autonomy and desire. Marie plays a significant role in driving the story, subverting the cliché of the submissive female protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The First Time?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting its 19th-century French setting. It does not incorporate significant minority representation or color-blind casting.

How does The First Time represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques rigid class structures and religious moralism in 19th-century France. It portrays social deviations as personal liberation rather than moral failings.

Does The First Time include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities driving the plot or serving as central figures.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by centering female autonomy and desire.
Provides a sophisticated critique of rigid class and religious institutions.
Avoids moral condemnation of characters deviating from social norms.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity due to its homogeneous historical setting.
Contains no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Does not feature characters with disabilities as central plot elements.

Official Synopsis

Claude is in his last year of high-school, but he doesn't care much for school. Instead all his thoughts circle around girls and getting laid. But since he doesn't look very studly, he has a hard time realizing his fantasies. When he's finally got an invitation to a steamy afternoon by Carole, his father intercepts the letter...

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