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Obit

Obit

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

2017

Director

Vanessa Gould

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Obit is a sophisticated exploration of how history is recorded and preserved. Its strongest point is the deep engagement with Black urban life, giving significant roles to subjects in Brooklyn. This focus challenges the usual, often exclusionary ways major media institutions operate. While the film offers a nuanced look at the intellectual work of women, it remains silent on LGBTQ+ identities and specific disability stories. However, it handles the complexities of aging and socioeconomic realities with respect and dignity. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its mosaic-like approach, which reduces the gap between the journalist and the observed to celebrate the detailed aspects of everyday life.

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Category Breakdown

Does Obit have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not focus specifically on LGBTQ+ identities or stories about people whose gender doesn't match their assigned-at-birth identity. While it explores broad human connections, these specific identities are not central to the subjects.

How does Obit portray gender?

Good

Women are shown as having significant intellectual and social influence. The film avoids typical domestic storylines, instead highlighting female subjects as key creators of community memory and history.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Obit?

Excellent

The documentary stands out by focusing on the cultural landscape of a Black community in Brooklyn. It offers a rich, complex alternative to the often uniform perspectives found in traditional media.

How does Obit represent religion and culture?

Good

The story highlights the importance of small, community-focused lives and subjective morality. It emphasizes the preservation of individual identity over rigid institutional structures.

Does Obit include disability representation?

Fair

The film observes the physical realities and vulnerabilities of aging in an urban environment. It treats its subjects with dignity without falling into simplistic or inspirational storylines.

Present on Screen

  • Strong depiction of Black community influence and cultural richness.
  • Nuanced portrayal of women's intellectual and social impact.
  • Avoids oversimplified clichés when showing the challenges of aging.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or stories.
  • Does not highlight specific disability experiences as a main focus.

Official Synopsis

How do you put a life into 500 words? Ask the staff obituary writers at the New York Times. OBIT is a first-ever glimpse into the daily rituals, joys and existential angst of the Times obit writers, as they chronicle life after death on the front lines of history.

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