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The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2019

TV-MA

Director

Linda Hirsch, Martin Smith

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This FRONTLINE documentary serves as a thorough examination of global power structures rather than a celebratory portrayal of a nation. It excels by dissecting the inner workings of a non-Western state and challenging official narratives of progress through systematic scrutiny. The film’s strength lies in highlighting the friction between modernization and the suppression of dissent. By focusing on the Khashoggi killing and the rise of Mohammed bin Salman, it offers a sophisticated view of how state institutions interact with international ethical norms. However, the documentary’s focus on high-level political ability to act and criminal investigation means it lacks depth regarding identity-based representation. It does not center on LGBTQ+ narratives or disability, as the subject matter remains strictly focused on geopolitical and criminal developments.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary centers on geopolitical shifts and criminal investigations, avoiding identity-based social dynamics. It does not include specific character-driven queer narratives or romantic arcs, maintaining a neutral stance.

How does The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights the rise of Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing masculine authority. It offers a nuanced look at power by examining the human costs and systemic implications of his leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia?

Good

The narrative gives a significant role in driving the story to non-Western voices by focusing on Middle Eastern political actors and dissidents. It avoids a Eurocentric perspective by prioritizing the complexities of regional political ability to act.

How does The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The investigation critiques traditional institutional power and the tension between state-driven modernization and religious institutions. It explores how centralized authority can suppress individual rights.

Does The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters or subjects being portrayed through the lens of physical or neurodivergent disability.

Present on Screen

  • Gives a significant role in driving the story to non-Western voices and Middle Eastern political actors.
  • Avoids a purely Eurocentric perspective by focusing on regional political complexities.
  • Critically examines the tension between state modernization and traditional institutions.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks specific character-driven narratives regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Does not feature representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • Focuses heavily on masculine authority and centralized political power.

Official Synopsis

One year after the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a two-hour FRONTLINE documentary investigates the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (MBS). Correspondent Martin Smith, who has covered the Middle East for FRONTLINE for 20 years, examines the crown prince’s vision for the future, his handling of dissent, his relationship with the United States — and his ties to Khashoggi’s killing. This Episode can be watched Online at (last Update 18th Oct 24): https://www.pbs.org/video/crown-prince-saudi-arabia-1jt2ey

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