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Clean Slate

Name: Clean Slate
Director: Mick Jackson
Released: 1994
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1994

PG-13

Director

Mick Jackson

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Clean Slate operates as a typical mid-90s mystery-comedy that emphasizes genre clichés over progressive representation. The narrative centers around a male protagonist, focusing on his professional and romantic struggles within traditional social frameworks. While the protagonist's amnesia provides a unique hook, it serves more as a plot device than a meaningful examination of cognitive impairment. The film does not show intentional critiques of systemic issues or multi-layered character development. Overall, the production adheres to the standard demographic and social norms of its era, offering little deviation from established cinematic hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Clean Slate have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship without addressing any non-straight identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Clean Slate portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist dealing with both an investigation and a romance. Female characters have limited roles and do not challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Clean Slate?

Limited

The racial makeup of the film is not detailed. It seems to follow the demographic norms of mid-90s mainstream comedies, which often did not include intentional racial diversity.

How does Clean Slate represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative follows traditional mystery-comedy frameworks, engaging with established legal and social structures without critiquing systemic oppression or Western norms.

Does Clean Slate include disability representation?

Fair

Amnesia serves as a key plot point for the mystery. However, the film does not explore neurodivergence in a nuanced way, using the condition mainly as a plot device.

Present on Screen

The use of amnesia creates a unique, character-driven engine for the mystery genre.
The film offers a clear, focused narrative arc centered on a specific protagonist's struggle.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks diverse representation across racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ spectrums.
Disability is used as a mechanical plot device rather than a nuanced character study.
The narrative fails to challenge traditional gender roles or systemic social structures.

Official Synopsis

Pogue is a private eye with a problem: every morning when he wakes up, he has total amnesia, waking up with a 'blank slate'. Since he is in the middle of a hot investigation and has a developing romance, this is less than convenient.

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