You are here:

Treasure Island

Name: Treasure Island
Director: Peter Rowe
Released: 1999
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1999

PG-13

Director

Peter Rowe

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This adaptation of Stevenson's classic adheres closely to traditional maritime hierarchies and period-specific social structures. The narrative focuses on masculine archetypes and Western adventure clichés. The film lacks meaningful representation across most diversity categories, maintaining a homogeneous cast and a patriarchal structure. While it includes a character with a physical disability, it is used more as a stylistic marker rather than a nuanced exploration of identity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Treasure Island have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or scenarios involving non-straight relationships. The interpersonal relationships center around male friendships and mentorship.

How does Treasure Island portray gender?

Limited

The story is driven by male characters, emphasizing their roles and ability to act. Women are mostly absent from the main storyline and power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Treasure Island?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and Anglo-Saxon, reflecting the historical setting. There is no indication of color-blind casting or intentional racial diversity.

How does Treasure Island represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative explores themes of greed and the tension between civilization and piracy. It relies on classic adventure clichés without deeper cultural critiques.

Does Treasure Island include disability representation?

Minimal

Long John Silver’s peg-leg is used as a defining characteristic and pirate symbol. The film does not delve into the complexities of physical disabilities or the individual's ability to act.

Present on Screen

The film maintains a consistent historical atmosphere through its adherence to 18th-century social structures.
The complex bond between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver provides a strong central character dynamic.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks women's ability to drive the story and fails to include women in the central conflict.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reinforcing a homogeneous Western perspective.
Disability is used as a superficial character trait rather than a nuanced exploration of identity.

Official Synopsis

Young Jim Hawkins and peg-legged Long John Silver set sail for adventure in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of dastardly pirates, swashbuckling heroes, buried treasure and a young boy's amazing courage. The narrative diverges from that of the novel in that Captain Smollett convinces Squire Trelawney and Doctor Livesey to cut Jim out of his rightful share of the treasure and so Jim then teams up with Silver.

How are these scores produced? →