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Miss Sharon Jones!

Name: Miss Sharon Jones!
Director: Barbara Kopple
Released: 2015
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

9.3/10

Excellent

2015

Unrated

Director

Barbara Kopple

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Barbara Kopple’s documentary is a sophisticated biographical study that challenges traditional power dynamics. It succeeds by centering a Black female leader and refusing to diminish her role in the face of industry patriarchy or physical illness. The film excels in its portrayal of racial and gendered authority. By focusing on the revival of soul and funk, it elevates Black cultural history and positions Jones as a matriarchal force rather than a passive performer. While the film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ narratives, it provides a nuanced look at navigating a life-altering health crisis. The focus remains on the artist's autonomy and cultural ownership throughout her struggle.

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Category Breakdown

Does Miss Sharon Jones! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary does not focus on LGBTQ+ identities or narratives. There is no explicit depiction of non-straight relationships or queer-coded subtext serving as a primary narrative driver.

How does Miss Sharon Jones! portray gender?

Excellent

Sharon Jones is depicted as a strong, authoritative leader and the main decision-maker for the Dap-Kings. The film challenges familiar patterns by positioning her as the central architect of the ensemble's success.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Miss Sharon Jones!?

Excellent

The film offers an excellent celebration of Black musical heritage and ability to act. The cast is predominantly Black, ensuring the story is told through the lens of the musicians' own professional mastery.

How does Miss Sharon Jones! represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative prioritizes Black musical traditions and cultural preservation over mainstream commercialism. It celebrates the resilience of a specific community and the subjective truth of the artist's journey.

Does Miss Sharon Jones! include disability representation?

Excellent

Jones’s battle with intestinal cancer is depicted with dignity rather than as inspiration porn. The film focuses on her determination to maintain professional leadership despite her physical vulnerability.

Present on Screen

Excellent celebration of Black musical heritage and ability to act.
Challenges gender clichés by centering Jones as a powerful, authoritative leader.
Dignified portrayal of a health crisis that preserves the subject's autonomy.
Avoids the 'white savior' cliché by centering Black musicians' professional mastery.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit depiction or centering of LGBTQ+ identities and narratives.

Official Synopsis

Two-time Academy Award® winner Barbara Kopple shines a powerful, inspiring and entertaining spotlight on contemporary soul queen Sharon Jones. As she prepares to release her much-anticipated new album, Sharon comes face to-face with the greatest challenge of her life: a grave cancer diagnosis. Follow this tour de force over the course of an eventful and remarkable year as she struggles to hold her band The Dap-Kings together while battling her way back to the stage with the unstoppable determination of a true soul survivor

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