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The Soultangler

Name: The Soultangler
Director: Pat Bishow
Released: 1987
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

1987

Not Rated

Director

Pat Bishow

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Soultangler is primarily a genre-driven exploration of body horror and science fiction. It emphasizes the mechanics of the mad scientist cliché and practical special effects over diverse representation. The narrative structure relies on traditional horror archetypes, such as the male-driven pursuit of scientific power, limiting opportunities for complex social or cultural commentary. Ultimately, the film serves as a visceral experience centered on existential dread and chemical experimentation, rather than a platform for diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Soultangler have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives, focusing instead on the concept of soul transference.

How does The Soultangler portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male 'mad scientist' character and traditional patriarchal ambitions. Female performers are present but do not challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Soultangler?

Limited

The cast appears homogeneous, following the typical casting standards of 1980s low-budget independent horror films.

How does The Soultangler represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story focuses on secularized, pseudo-scientific views of the soul and afterlife, emphasizing a conflict between order and chaos.

Does The Soultangler include disability representation?

Limited

Mental instability is portrayed as a negative side effect of a drug, which may use neurological impairment as a horror plot device.

Present on Screen

Explores unconventional, pseudo-scientific views of spirituality and the afterlife.
Addresses subjective morality and the ethics of scientific advancement.

Limited or Absent

Avoid using mental instability and neurological impairment solely as horror plot devices.
Include more diverse casting to move beyond the homogeneous standards of 1980s independent horror.
Challenge traditional gender hierarchies by going beyond the male-centric mad scientist archetype.

Official Synopsis

The mad scientist Anton Lupesky invents a drug that can free the souls of the users and allow them to posses the bodies of corpses. The horrible side effect is sometimes fatal hallucinations, that leave the survivors incurably mad.

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