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The Knack... and How to Get It

Name: The Knack... and How to Get It
Director: Richard Lester
Released: 1965
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1965

Approved

Director

Richard Lester

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Richard Lester’s work is a landmark of cinematic postmodernism, utilizing kinetic editing to disrupt traditional narrative structures. While the film’s energy marked a departure from formalist traditions, its social content remains deeply conventional. The narrative is built around a homogeneous cultural perspective and reinforces traditional gender hierarchies. The focus remains on male-driven conquest and the social mores of the mid-1960s. Ultimately, the film’s stylistic innovation does not translate into social inclusivity, as it operates within the restrictive demographic and social frameworks of its era.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Knack... and How to Get It have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a strictly heterosexual narrative, focusing solely on romantic relationships within a traditional gender binary. It offers no representation of queer identities or non-binary gender roles.

How does The Knack... and How to Get It portray gender?

Limited

The story emphasizes a patriarchal structure where men dominate the narrative and conflict. Female characters are predominantly portrayed as goals for male conquest rather than as fully developed individuals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Knack... and How to Get It?

Minimal

Set in London during the Swinging Sixties, the film features a predominantly white, middle-class demographic. It lacks significant representation of diverse racial backgrounds.

How does The Knack... and How to Get It represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film captures a shift towards hedonistic youth culture and consumerism. However, it avoids critiquing the systemic issues related to Western institutions such as religion or capitalism.

Does The Knack... and How to Get It include disability representation?

Minimal

A 'friendly lunatic' character appears, which risks using neurodivergence as a comedic cliché. There is no evidence of nuanced or empowered depictions of disability.

Present on Screen

The film disrupts traditional film language through its kinetic, fragmented editing style.
It captures the transition from rigid Victorian courtship to the spontaneous energy of the Swinging Sixties.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on a predatory social structure where women are treated as objects of conquest rather than characters with significant roles.
The use of a 'friendly lunatic' character risks reducing neurodivergence to a mere comedic device.
The demographic portrayal is limited to a homogeneous, white, middle-class London setting, lacking diverse perspectives.

Official Synopsis

A nebbish schoolteacher begs his smooth (and misogynistic) pal to teach him 'the knack' – how to score with women. Serendipitously, the men meet up with a new girl in town, as well as a friendly lunatic who can’t help but paint things white.

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