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2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet]

Name: 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet]
Director: Heinz Emigholz
Released: 2017
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2017

Director

Heinz Emigholz

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Heinz Emigholz’s documentary is a formalist study of urban space rather than a character-driven narrative. Prioritizing architectural observation over human subjects, it operates outside the typical metrics of identity politics and social representation. The film’s strength lies in its geographic departure from Western-centric urbanism. Its focus on the textures of Tbilisi provides a nuanced look at a non-Anglo-Saxon reality. However, the structuralist approach means the work does not actively challenge or promote social hierarchies. It remains a neutral observation of the environment.

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Category Breakdown

Does 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet] have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities. While there are no exclusionary stereotypes, it also does not proactively represent these communities.

How does 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet] portray gender?

Fair

Natja Brunckhorst's female voiceover adds an intellectual perspective. However, the lack of interpersonal interactions prevents an assessment of gender roles or hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet]?

Good

Set in Tbilisi, the film presents a non-Western visual landscape. By focusing on Georgian urban environments, it avoids the homogenization of Western cityscapes.

How does 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet] represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes the entropy of systems rather than religious or national symbols. It prioritizes a philosophical exploration of space over traditional cultural or institutional stability.

Does 2 + 2 = 22 [The Alphabet] include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters or subjects within the film to evaluate for physical or neurodivergent representation.

Present on Screen

Presents a non-Western visual landscape by focusing on the specific textures of Tbilisi, Georgia.
Avoids the homogenization of Western urban aesthetics through its focus on Georgian urban centers.
Includes a female intellectual presence through the reflective voiceover of Natja Brunckhorst.

Limited or Absent

Lacks proactive representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Provides no opportunity to assess gender hierarchy due to the absence of interpersonal interactions.
Does not include characters or subjects to address disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Worn-down pavements, broken paving stones. Trees that jut out of the concrete, casting shadows on to crumbling façades. The centre of Tbilisi in the summer of 2013. Glimpses of side and main streets, over railings and under balconies, of an architectural cacophony. The voiceover spoken by Natja Brunckhorst reflects on the nature of streets and public spaces.

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