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Butterfly on the Shoulder

Name: Butterfly on the Shoulder
Director: Jacques Deray
Released: 1978
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1978

Director

Jacques Deray

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jacques Deray’s thriller adheres to traditional 1970s European cinematic conventions. The narrative emphasizes a plot-driven mystery and individual psychological tension rather than exploring diverse identities or social structures. The story centers on a male protagonist’s struggle to validate his reality, limiting the scope for broader demographic representation or challenging established social norms. While the setting and themes of institutional gaslighting offer some complexity, the film remains a conventional genre piece without a strong focus on diverse perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Butterfly on the Shoulder have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities, nor does it depict same-sex relationships. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's psychological journey and the central mystery.

How does Butterfly on the Shoulder portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist named Fériaud Roland. Women are not shown in submissive roles, but there is no indication that female characters have significant influence or control over the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Butterfly on the Shoulder?

Limited

Set in Barcelona, the film showcases a Mediterranean setting. However, the cast does not emphasize characters with diverse racial or cultural backgrounds. The focus remains on the protagonist's personal experience.

How does Butterfly on the Shoulder represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film delves into themes of subjective reality and institutional corruption within the medical system. However, it does not explore overtly religious or secular narratives, maintaining a standard mystery format.

Does Butterfly on the Shoulder include disability representation?

Limited

The film touches on themes of memory loss and perceived hallucinations, which relate to mental health issues. It is unclear whether these elements highlight the characters' abilities or serve primarily as plot devices for the mystery.

Present on Screen

The Mediterranean setting in Barcelona provides a potential backdrop for diverse characters.
The plot explores themes of institutional reliability and the corruption of authority.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight perspectives.
The story follows a traditional male-centric structure with limited opportunities for female characters to take control.
There is a lack of visible racial and ethnic diversity among the characters.

Official Synopsis

On a stopover in Barcelona, Fériaud Roland discovers a corpse in the hotel room next door. He wakes up in a strange clinic without remembering who brought him there. The doctor insists he hallucinated, but it's not long before he obtains evidence that it wasn't a dream.

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