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Isn't It Shocking?

Name: Isn't It Shocking?
Director: John Badham
Released: 1973
Duration: 73 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1973

Director

John Badham

Runtime

73 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This 1973 television film operates as a conventional genre piece, reflecting the social hierarchies typical of its time. The narrative relies on established archetypes, especially within its small-town New England setting. While the film offers minor nuances through Mrs. Tate's domestic actions, it fails to challenge traditional expectations regarding race, gender, or identity. The story remains centered on a male protagonist navigating a homogeneous community. Ultimately, the work reflects the broadcasting norms of the 1970s rather than serving as a platform for progressive or multi-layered storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Isn't It Shocking? have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional heterosexual norms typical of 1970s television. The plot centers around a conventional romance between the main character and Mrs. Tate, with no hints of LGBTQ+ themes.

How does Isn't It Shocking? portray gender?

Fair

Mrs. Tate tries to assert herself in domestic matters but ultimately plays a supporting role. The central mystery revolves around a male authority figure, while female characters mostly support or manage households.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Isn't It Shocking??

Minimal

The film depicts a small-town New England village with a predominantly white population. There is no indication of racial diversity or non-white actors.

How does Isn't It Shocking? represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story unfolds within a traditional Western context, using small-town mystery clichés to reinforce social order rather than critique Western institutions.

Does Isn't It Shocking? include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central narrative drivers or plot devices.

Present on Screen

Mrs. Tate asserts herself in domestic matters, trying to set the terms of her relationship.
The film presents a clear, cohesive view of traditional small-town social structures.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial diversity, showing a predominantly white population.
Female characters are often confined to supportive or domestic roles.
The film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.

Official Synopsis

A small-town sheriff is confronted with the deaths of local senior citizens and strange goings-on in his town.

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