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The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere

Name: The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere
Released: 1928
Duration: 8 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

1928

Runtime

8 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Le Pompier des Folies Bergère is a silent-era comedy that uses a surreal, hallucinatory perspective to tell its story. The narrative is driven by the protagonist's intoxicated viewpoint, limiting the scope of the world presented. Since the film relies heavily on the male gaze and visual spectacle, it lacks complexity in character representation. Characters exist mainly to create a series of comedic visual experiences rather than to challenge societal norms. Ultimately, the film reflects the social norms of its time, focusing on traditional cabaret themes and a singular male perspective of the Parisian landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-binary or LGBTQ+ identities. The plot revolves around the protagonist's fascination with cabaret dancers.

How does The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere portray gender?

Limited

Women are prominently featured as dancers in the Folies Bergère, serving as visual motifs. However, they lack narrative independence and are primarily objects of the male protagonist’s gaze.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere?

Minimal

The film is set in a homogenous European environment typical of early 20th-century Paris. There is no indication of racial diversity or inclusive casting.

How does The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film portrays a secular, urban nightlife scene focused on chaos and intoxication. It does not address religious morality or critique Western institutions.

Does The Fireman of the Folies-Bergere include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical or neurodivergent conditions that are given significant roles. The protagonist's altered state is treated humorously.

Present on Screen

The film provides a unique, surrealist look at how intoxication can alter visual perception and reality.
It offers a vivid, secular glimpse into the nightlife and leisure culture of early 20th-century Paris.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks women's ability to act, as they are primarily used as visual spectacles for the male protagonist.
The film lacks racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, reflecting the homogeneous social norms of its era.
The protagonist's altered consciousness is used for comedy rather than exploring neurodivergence or mental health.

Official Synopsis

After a lengthy period of watching the dancers at the Folies Bergères, a fireman stops in for a drink. As he becomes intoxicated, his thoughts return to the dancers, and he begins to see images of nude dancers all around him. Whether he goes into the subway, rides on a streetcar, or returns to the fire station, he continues to see the same imaginary sights.

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