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Starting Over

Name: Starting Over
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Released: 1979
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1979

Director

Alan J. Pakula

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Starting Over is a character-driven film that explores the social realities of the late 1970s. It challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing the professional and emotional depth of female characters. However, the film is limited by its narrow focus on a predominantly white, middle-class setting and does not address broader cultural or systemic issues. Ultimately, it provides a nuanced look at personal struggles without engaging with larger societal structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Starting Over have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and does not include any characters with non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Starting Over portray gender?

Good

The movie highlights the career aspirations and professional independence of the female lead. It also shows the male lead's emotional vulnerability, which goes against traditional stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Starting Over?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and middle-class, with no intentional focus on the intersection of race and ethnicity.

How does Starting Over represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film is set in a modern, secular context, focusing on dating and career issues. It portrays characters navigating established Western systems without challenging them.

Does Starting Over include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, and none of the characters have disabilities that play a central role in the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the professional independence of female characters.
Shows the emotional vulnerability of the male lead, breaking away from the stereotype of the stoic patriarch.
Provides female characters with significant roles in their professional and personal lives.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse racial and ethnic representation among the cast.
Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After divorcing his ambitious singer wife, a middle-aged man begins a new relationship with a teacher.

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