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The Cry

Name: The Cry
Director: Jaromil Jireš
Released: 1964
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

1964

Director

Jaromil Jireš

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jaromil Jireš’s *The Cry* is a work of psychological depth that prioritizes existential themes over demographic breadth. Its strength lies in subverting traditional storytelling hierarchies, particularly regarding gender and social critique. The film excels at giving the female lead significant intellectual and existential influence and uses metaphor to challenge oppressive societal structures. However, it remains limited by a homogeneous cast and a lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ and racial identities. Ultimately, the film is a study of the human condition that favors intellectual subversion over overt demographic diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Slavek and Ivana. It does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities, but its narrative avoids traditional stereotypes.

How does The Cry portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing the female protagonist's internal journey. This approach gives the female character significant intellectual and existential influence throughout her transformation.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cry?

Limited

Set in 1960s Czechoslovakia, the cast is predominantly of the same ethnicity. The film emphasizes universal existential themes rather than actively engaging with racial diversity or multiple layers of identity.

How does The Cry represent religion and culture?

Good

The film uses surrealism to critique systemic social structures. It adopts a skeptical stance toward established institutions, prioritizing subjective morality over the status quo.

Does The Cry include disability representation?

Fair

While the film does not depict visible physical disabilities, it explores psychological fragmentation and existential crises. These themes are handled with nuance rather than used merely as plot devices.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on the female protagonist's internal journey.
Uses surrealism effectively to critique systemic social institutions.
Avoids traditional stereotypes through a fluid, non-linear narrative structure.

Limited or Absent

Lacks proactive representation of racial or ethnic diversity within its setting.
Does not feature explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.
Provides limited representation of visible or specific physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

While a woman is in the hospital preparing to deliver her child, her husband has all day to reflect upon his wife and their relationship. As he tends to his job as a television repairman, Slavek fondly remembers how he first met Ivana and the days they spent getting to know one another. Slavek also grows increasingly aware of the environment that surrounds him and questions the society his new child will be entering.

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