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The American President

Name: The American President
Director: Rob Reiner
Released: 1995
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

1995

PG-13

Director

Rob Reiner

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The American President exemplifies 1990s mainstream cinema. It excels in showcasing professional equality between its main characters, challenging the stereotype of passive female roles in politics. The narrative focuses on the ethical dilemmas faced by two highly capable professionals. However, the film lacks depth in representing diverse identities and backgrounds. It remains confined to a narrow demographic scope, primarily reflecting an Anglo-centric view of American institutional power. Ultimately, the film stands as a critical look at institutional skepticism and individual ethics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The American President have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a traditional heterosexual storyline without featuring any LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities.

How does The American President portray gender?

Good

Sydney Ellen Wade is portrayed as an intellectual peer to the President, demonstrating significant professional influence. The film avoids depicting her as a damsel in distress by highlighting the conflict through professional rivalry.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The American President?

Limited

The cast mirrors the demographic uniformity of the mid-90s political establishment, emphasizing an Anglo-centric perspective of American institutional power through a predominantly white ensemble.

How does The American President represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story provides a nuanced examination of Western political systems and media manipulation, exploring the tension between personal integrity and the corrupting influence of corporate lobbying.

Does The American President include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or mental disabilities. No character serves as a plot device related to health issues.

Present on Screen

Highlights the professional equality and intellectual parity between the female lead and the President.
Offers a sophisticated critique of media manipulation and political ethics.
Focuses on professional rivalry rather than traditional gender stereotypes.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-conforming gender identities.
Features a predominantly white cast, reflecting significant racial homogeneity.
Maintains a narrow, Anglo-centric view of American institutional power.

Official Synopsis

Widowed U.S. president Andrew Shepherd, one of the world's most powerful men, can have anything he wants -- and what he covets most is Sydney Ellen Wade, a Washington lobbyist. But Shepherd's attempts at courting her spark wild rumors and decimate his approval ratings.

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