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Tarzan of the Apes

Name: Tarzan of the Apes
Director: Scott Sidney
Released: 1918
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

0.3/10

Minimal

1918

Director

Scott Sidney

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1918 silent adventure film reinforces traditional social hierarchies and colonialist clichés. It relies heavily on established archetypes such as masculine heroism and feminine vulnerability to drive the plot. The narrative prioritizes the preservation of Western identity and aristocratic lineage, neglecting meaningful representation of indigenous peoples. The film upholds the status quo of the early 20th century without challenging conventional social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tarzan of the Apes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtexts.

How does Tarzan of the Apes portray gender?

Limited

Jane Porter is portrayed in the traditional damsel in distress role, with her actions largely driven by her vulnerability and need for protection.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tarzan of the Apes?

Minimal

The film primarily features white actors and emphasizes Western aristocracy, lacking meaningful representation of indigenous peoples from Africa.

How does Tarzan of the Apes represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The story highlights the protagonist's English heritage, emphasizing the nobility and importance of Western lineage.

Does Tarzan of the Apes include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, and the film does not address neurodivergence or physical impairments.

Present on Screen

The film effectively uses the jungle setting as a classic backdrop for high-stakes adventure and survival.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on outdated colonialist perspectives and lacks representation of indigenous populations.
Gender roles are limited to traditional archetypes, particularly the damsel in distress cliché.
The narrative lacks diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A female ape takes to mothering the orphaned boy (Tarzan) and raises him over the course of many years until a rescue mission is finally launched and the search party combs the jungle for the long-time missing Lord Greystoke. But then, one of the search members, Jane Porter, gets separated from the group and comes face to face with fearsome wild animals. Tarzan saves her from harm just in the knick of time and love begins to blossom.

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