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Diary of a Madman

Name: Diary of a Madman
Director: Reginald Le Borg
Released: 1963
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1963

Director

Reginald Le Borg

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Diary of a Madman is a product of its time, emphasizing classical psychological horror over diverse representation. The narrative structure adheres to traditional studio conventions, focusing on a single male protagonist's descent into madness. The film lacks diversity across various categories, reflecting the homogeneous European demographics and social structures of the early 1960s. It relies on established genre formulas rather than challenging social norms. While the film delves into psychological deterioration, it does so through a supernatural horror lens rather than offering meaningful representation for underrepresented groups or diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Diary of a Madman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't include any LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It follows the social norms of 1963 without questioning the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Diary of a Madman portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on Simon Cordier, a male magistrate with significant institutional power. It doesn't challenge traditional gender roles or show masculinity as ineffective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Diary of a Madman?

Minimal

Set in France, the film portrays a homogeneous European population. There's no indication of diverse ethnic groups or actors playing roles outside their traditional backgrounds.

How does Diary of a Madman represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story uses the protagonist's role as a legal representative to explore his decline. It doesn't portray Western institutions as inherently oppressive or corrupt.

Does Diary of a Madman include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist experiences a psychological breakdown that fits the supernatural horror plot. The depiction focuses on traditional horror themes of madness rather than a nuanced portrayal of mental health issues.

Present on Screen

The film offers a focused character study of a professional man dealing with a psychological crisis.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a very homogeneous European setting.
There are no LGBTQ+ identities or narratives in the production.
Mental health is portrayed through traditional horror clichés rather than nuanced representation.
Gender roles remain strictly traditional, centered around a male figure of authority.

Official Synopsis

Simon Cordier, a French magistrate and amateur sculptor comes into contact with a malevolent entity. The invisible - yet corporeal - being, called a "horla" is capable of limited psychokinesis and complete mind control.

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