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Deathmoon

Name: Deathmoon
Director: Bruce Kessler
Released: 1978
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1978

Director

Bruce Kessler

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Deathmoon is a conventional genre piece typical of late 1970s television movies. It emphasizes supernatural mystery and romance over meaningful social commentary or disruption of traditional hierarchies. The film's reliance on a white-centric cast and a heterosexual romantic core limits its exploration of diverse identities. Although the setting offers potential for cultural exploration, the narrative remains tied to standard adventure-horror dynamics. Ultimately, the work lacks the intentionality needed to provide complex character arcs that challenge existing social structures, functioning instead as a typical period production.

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Category Breakdown

Does Deathmoon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the heterosexual norms typical of 1970s horror, focusing on a traditional romance between a male and female lead.

How does Deathmoon portray gender?

Limited

The female lead is shown as a successful businesswoman, but the story mainly revolves around the male executive's struggles, following traditional masculine-driven narratives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Deathmoon?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, despite the Hawaiian setting. Indigenous elements are used more as plot devices than to give characters significant roles.

How does Deathmoon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into superstitions and ancestral curses, avoiding strict Christian morality. However, it does not critically examine Western institutions or colonial themes.

Does Deathmoon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

The female lead is portrayed as a successful businesswoman.
The use of local superstition provides a non-Christian supernatural framework.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks significant representation of non-white characters in leadership roles.
The story relies on traditional gender clichés and heterosexual romantic structures.
Indigenous elements are used primarily as atmospheric plot devices rather than active characters.

Official Synopsis

An overworked executive vacationing in Hawaii finds that his romance with an attractive businesswoman he meets there is threatened by the supernatural powers of a strange native curse on his bloodline.

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