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Cagliostro

Name: Cagliostro
Director: Richard Oswald
Released: 1929
Duration: 59 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1929

Director

Richard Oswald

Runtime

59 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cagliostro (1929) is a period drama that questions traditional historical stories by putting an outsider at the center of a highly ranked society. By looking at an infamous figure in a sympathetic way, the film challenges the usual moral order. The film's strength lies in its mysterious 'outsider' character and its criticism of the aristocracy's decadence. It fits well with a modern tradition of movies that question authority figures. However, the film doesn't have clear markers of modern identity representation, especially for LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities, making its diversity more about the structure of the story than the characters themselves.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cagliostro have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't show any clear LGBTQ+ identities or stories. The main character deals with the social rules of the aristocracy.

How does Cagliostro portray gender?

Fair

A powerful noblewoman plays a key role in the protagonist's downfall. Even though the roles might follow old traditions, having a strong female character challenges the usual male-dominated stories.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cagliostro?

Fair

The main character is Italian and lives among the French nobility. This mix of cultures adds variety to the story, breaking the uniform French setting.

How does Cagliostro represent religion and culture?

Good

The story criticizes the excesses of the French aristocracy by showing them as decadent. It favors personal and mystical beliefs over official church teachings.

Does Cagliostro include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of any characters with physical or mental disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional moral binaries by portraying an infamous occultist sympathetically.
Introduces ethnic fluidity by featuring an Italian protagonist in a French setting.
Critiques rigid class-based systems and established Western power structures.

Limited or Absent

Doesn't explicitly represent non-traditional sexual orientations or gender identities.
Doesn't document any characters with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Relies on traditional gender roles typical of the era's cinematic conventions.

Official Synopsis

Paris, France, 1784. After living many tribulations, Joseph Balsamo, known as Count Cagliostro, an infamous adventurer, enigmatic magician and necromancer, experienced physician and ruthless swordsman, triumphs among the members of the decadent French aristocracy. But a bold foretelling about a very prominent noblewoman causes his fall in disgrace… (Partially lost film.)

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