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The Happy Film

Name: The Happy Film
Director: Stefan Sagmeister, Hillman Curtis, Ben Nabors
Released: 2017
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

7.1/10

Good

2017

Director

Stefan Sagmeister, Hillman Curtis, Ben Nabors

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Happy Film is an introspective character study that focuses more on the individual's psychological journey than on diverse representations. While it lacks broad racial and gender diversity, it challenges traditional social and religious structures by offering alternative paths to well-being. The documentary's main strength lies in its philosophical exploration of consciousness and emotional regulation, rather than its portrayal of diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Happy Film have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Happy Film portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male professional searching for meaning. It shifts away from typical masculine roles by focusing on emotional vulnerability instead of strength.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Happy Film?

Fair

The film is set in a high-end New York environment and does not have a diverse cast. It primarily features individuals from similar backgrounds.

How does The Happy Film represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions traditional Western views of success through personal experiments. It favors secular, non-traditional methods like meditation and drug use over religious guidance.

Does The Happy Film include disability representation?

Fair

Mental health is a key part of the story. The film portrays psychological conditions with a focus on therapy and experimentation.

Present on Screen

Challenges conventional Western views of success and morality.
Explores emotional vulnerability and non-traditional paths to happiness.
Offers a secular, experimental approach to psychological well-being.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity.
Focuses heavily on a singular, male-centric professional experience.
Provides little explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.

Official Synopsis

New York designer Stefan Sagmeister lives in the city of his dreams, and creates work for the likes of the Rolling Stones and Jay-Z. Business is good, creative juices are flowing, and yet he suspects there must be more to life. Sagmeister takes on the daunting project of changing his personality by trying to figure out the causes of happiness. On the advice of a trusted psychologist Sagmeister experiments with three different approaches: meditation, therapy, and drugs. The Happy Film follows his pursuit, and all that he encounters along the way: joy, ecstasy, heartbreak, change, love, and death.

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