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Night of the Demon

Name: Night of the Demon
Director: Jacques Tourneur
Released: 1957
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1957

Director

Jacques Tourneur

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Night of the Demon is a classic product of its time, emphasizing psychological tension and genre clichés over social disruption. The film centers on a Western academic environment, resulting in a largely homogeneous cast and a lack of diverse perspectives. While the film provides a nuanced look at the limits of empiricism, it does so through a narrow lens. The narrative reinforces mid-century hierarchies, placing intellectual authority in the hands of a male protagonist while marginalizing other groups. Ultimately, the film adheres to the demographic norms of 1957. It focuses on the subjective experience of the supernatural rather than challenging established social or cultural structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Night of the Demon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. Romantic relationships follow traditional 1950s norms.

How does Night of the Demon portray gender?

Limited

The male protagonist, John Holden, drives the story. Female characters mainly support him emotionally and do not lead the central conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Night of the Demon?

Limited

The cast is mostly Anglo-Saxon, reflecting the social norms of 1957 London. There is no diverse casting or characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity in the investigative team.

How does Night of the Demon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story highlights the tension between scientific skepticism and occult beliefs. It uses this classic genre cliché without critiquing society.

Does Night of the Demon include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are shown with significant roles. Characters fit within the typical physical and mental health standards of mid-century thrillers.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated handling of psychological tension and supernatural elements.
Engaging exploration of the conflict between scientific rationalism and occult belief.

Limited or Absent

Lack of diverse casting and meaningful characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.
Reliance on traditional gender hierarchies and supporting female roles.
Absence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.

Official Synopsis

American professor John Holden arrives in London for a conference on parapsychology only to discover that the colleague he was supposed to meet was killed in a freak accident the day before. It turns out that the deceased had been investigating a cult lead by Dr. Julian Karswell. Though a skeptic, Holden is suspicious of the devil-worshiping Karswell. Following a trail of mysterious manuscripts, Holden enters a world that makes him question his faith in science.

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