You are here:

John Carter

Name: John Carter
Director: Andrew Stanton
Released: 2012
Duration: 132 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2012

PG-13

Director

Andrew Stanton

Runtime

132 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

John Carter operates as a traditional adventure epic that relies on established Western storytelling structures. By using extraterrestrial species, the film avoids human racial hierarchies, creating a unique visual landscape of 'otherness.' However, the film remains anchored in conventional hierarchies. The romantic and social dynamics follow standard heterosexual and patriarchal patterns, and the narrative lacks a focus on disability or systemic social critique. Ultimately, the film chooses a classicist approach to heroism. It seeks to restore order within its world rather than challenging the existing social or political status quo.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does John Carter have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional framework where everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender. The central romantic relationship between John Carter and Dejah Thoris is conventional, with no queer subtext or non-traditional gender identities.

How does John Carter portray gender?

Fair

While the story centers on a male hero, Dejah Thoris plays a significant role in driving the narrative. The film passes the Bechdel test, but the resolution remains centered around the male protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is John Carter?

Fair

The use of extraterrestrial species allows for a speculative exploration of diverse cultures, bypassing human racial hierarchies. Different skin tones among these species offer a metaphorical space for examining non-human cultural identities.

How does John Carter represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative adheres to classical Western storytelling clichés of heroism and honor. It prioritizes restoring order rather than critiquing the social hierarchies within Martian society.

Does John Carter include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are defined primarily by their physical strength and combat skills. There is no significant focus on neurodivergence, chronic health conditions, or visible disabilities within the main character arcs.

Present on Screen

The use of extraterrestrial species provides a speculative model for diversity that avoids traditional human racial hierarchies.
Female characters like Dejah Thoris play significant roles in driving the narrative rather than being mere supporting figures.
The film successfully passes the Bechdel test through dialogue regarding Martian political stakes.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on a traditional heterosexual romantic arc.
The story lacks representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities within its primary characters.
The plot prioritizes classical heroism over the deconstruction of existing social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

How are these scores produced? →